You can take the Prince out of the United Kingdom, it seems, but you can also take the United Kingdom completely out of the Prince. Prince Harry’s latest foray into the media landscape – a casual appearance on rugby player Joe Marler’s podcast – was clearly designed to show off the “good bloke” charm offensive.
We were treated to the usual self-deprecating banter about his hair loss and childhood school grievances. But amid the forced lad-culture laughter, Harry dropped an absolute bunder that exposed a staggering truth – he has completely forgotten who he actually is. The former England prop asked Harry what his occupation was, to which he replied: “Full-time dad. British Army veteran. Prince of England. Duke.” As a history graduate, my jaw dropped when I heard that statement. There is, constitutionally, legally, and historically, no such thing as a “Prince of England”.
Anyone with even a basic grasp of our nation’s past knows that a distinct “Kingdom of England” ceased to exist over 300 years ago with the Acts of Union in 1707. But the blunder goes even deeper into historical ignorance than that. Even before 1707, the title simply did not exist. Historically, the heir to the throne was always created Prince of Wales, while younger sons were given distinct peerages, such as the Duke of York.
It wasn’t until the Hanoverians arrived in 1714 that the custom of addressing all royal children as “Prince” or “Princess” was introduced at the British court. By that time, they were officially Princes of Great Britain.
In short, Harry has invented a completely fictional title with literally zero historical precedent. By immutable birthright, he is a Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Yet, in one lazy, slip-of-the-tongue gaffe, he managed to completely erase Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from his own lineage.
The blunder shows just how much Harry has been influenced by his new life in California. It’s common for Americans to use “England” and “Britain” interchangeably. Personally, I find it deeply frustrating – it’s like when they say they are going on holiday to “Europe”. Yes… But where?
By adopting this phrasing on the podcast, Harry showed he is speaking the language of his new home. But for a Prince of the United Kingdom by birthright, the distinction matters. It is a weighty title that connects him to a family currently serving all four nations of the Union – including Wales, where his brother is Prince.
While it was likely just a casual mistake, it highlights his current dilemma. In trying to blend into his new American surroundings, Harry accidentally downplayed the very real, historic scope of the heritage he was born into.