Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has listed his occupation as “Prince of England” in a podcast interview, triggering immediate backlash and accusations of mocking the monarchy.
The revelation came during a candid conversation with rugby star Joe Marler on the latter’s podcast. Harry’s precise wording: “Prince of England” is his full-time job. Fox News reported the statement, noting it followed his departure from official royal duties. The Independent captured the moment on video, quoting Harry’s full list of occupations. People magazine also covered the exchange, citing Harry’s declaration. The clip quickly spread across social media.
Harry’s timing is critical. He left royal life in 2020, moving to California with Meghan Markle. Since then, he has signed multi-million dollar deals with Netflix and Spotify. He published a memoir, “Spare.” He also serves as a patron for numerous charities. The podcast appearance represents his first clear, public redefinition of his professional identity since “Megxit.”
The full list of occupations Harry mentioned included author, podcast host, and charity patron. By inserting “Prince of England” alongside these roles, he creates a hybrid identity – a working royal who also operates in the commercial sector. This straddles a legal gray area. Constitutional experts note no law forbids using the title, but protocol dictates it is typically reserved for official, state-sanctioned duties. Harry’s usage outside that framework is unprecedented.
Conservative commentators, notably on Fox News, reacted with fury. They argue Harry is trivializing the very institution he left. The core charge is mockery. Critics see the “Prince of England” claim as a deliberate provocation, a way to retain the title’s prestige while rejecting its responsibilities. Supporters counter that Harry is simply being transparent. He is a prince by birth. Calling it his job is honest, they say, not a slight.
The alternative view frames this as a calculated rebranding. Harry is leveraging his royal title for commercial ventures and philanthropic credibility. He is not mocking the monarchy; he is adapting it to his new life. This strategy mirrors other royals who have carved independent paths, like his uncle, Prince Andrew, though under very different circumstances. People magazine’s coverage highlighted this evolving public persona, one that blends celebrity with hereditary privilege.
The pain point is clear: can a royal who has stepped back still claim the title as a “job”? The answer remains divisive. The podcast moment is less a crisis for the monarchy and more a clear illustration of the tension between tradition and personal autonomy in the 21st century. Harry’s “Prince of England” is both a provocative jab and a calculated career move.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did Prince Harry call himself ‘Prince of England’ on a podcast?
- A: Harry used the title during a candid interview with rugby star Joe Marler, listing it alongside author, podcast host, and charity patron as part of his full-time occupations. It appears to be a deliberate rebranding of his professional identity after stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
- Q: Is it legal for Prince Harry to use ‘Prince of England’ as a job title?
- A: Constitutional experts say no law explicitly forbids using the title, but royal protocol typically reserves it for official, state-sanctioned duties. Harry’s commercial use outside that framework is unprecedented and controversial.
- Q: How has the public reacted to Harry’s ‘Prince of England’ claim?
- A: The statement triggered immediate backlash on social media, with many accusing him of mocking the monarchy. Critics argue it undermines royal traditions, while supporters view it as a modern rebranding of his legacy.
Extended Reading
For further context on the legal and constitutional implications of Prince Harry’s use of his royal title in commercial settings, refer to the full reports by Fox News and The Independent . People magazine’s coverage of the interview is available here .