Harry's Post-Wedding Life

Since his wedding to Meghan Markle in May 2018, Prince Harry has stepped down as a senior royal and moved to California with his family. He has also launched several commercial ventures, including a Netflix docuseries, a Spotify podcast, and a lifestyle brand with Markle called American Riviera Orchard. Prince Harry has also been involved in various court cases against newspaper publishers, and published a memoir, Spare, in 2023.

Prince Harry's memoir, 'Spare'

Prince Harry's memoir, Spare, was published in January 2023. The book sold 467,183 copies in its first week and publishers pledged to donate $1.5 million (£1.18m) and £300,000 to the Sentebale and WellChild charities.

In the memoir, Harry discusses his relationship with his brother and father, as well as his grief over the death of his mother, Princess Diana. He also revealed that he flew on six missions that resulted in him killing 25 Taliban members. He described being trained to not view them as "people" but instead as "chess pieces" that had been taken off the board.

Harry's revelations about his military service prompted backlash from both Taliban members and British politicians and military figures. In March 2023, the Heritage Foundation sent a dossier on Harry's drug use to the U.S. government, asking whether he had admitted to past drug use on his U.S. visa application. The following month, they filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

In June 2023, Harry broke royal protocol by criticising the U.K. government and media in a witness statement to a court. He argued that the press was "in bed" with the government and that both were "at rock bottom".

Harry and Meghan's Netflix docuseries, 'Harry & Meghan'

Harry & Meghan is a Netflix docuseries starring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The six-part series, directed by Oscar-nominated Liz Garbus, follows the couple's complex journey from their courtship to their exit from royal life.

The series offers a unique, firsthand account of the couple's relationship, including their early romance, engagement, and wedding. It also delves into the challenges they faced, such as media scrutiny, racial biases, and their decision to step back from their royal duties. The first three episodes were released on December 8, 2022, with the remaining three following on December 15.

In the docuseries, Harry and Meghan share their experiences of being in the public eye, with Harry reflecting on the impact of growing up in the spotlight. The couple also addresses the scrutiny and criticism they faced from the media, including racist headlines and the impact of unconscious bias within the royal family.

The series provides an intimate and raw perspective, with footage shot by the couple themselves, as well as interviews with friends and family, most of whom have never spoken publicly before. It offers a glimpse into the couple's personal lives, including their time as senior royals and their subsequent move to California.

Harry & Meghan has been one of the most anticipated television events of the year, sparking curiosity and controversy in equal measure. While some criticised it for not being a tell-all about the royal family, others praised its honest portrayal of the couple's journey and the challenges they faced.

Harry's Invictus Games

Prince Harry's Invictus Games is a Paralympic-style multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans. The first Invictus Games took place in London in 2014, with subsequent games in Orlando in 2016, Toronto in 2017, and Sydney in 2018. The Invictus Games were inspired by Prince Harry's visit to the Warrior Games in the US in 2013, where he witnessed how sports could aid the recovery of wounded servicemen and women, both physically and psychologically.

The name 'Invictus' means 'unconquered' in Latin and was chosen to embody the fighting spirit of the wounded and injured service personnel and what they can achieve post-injury. The Invictus Games are about showcasing what these tenacious men and women can achieve post-injury and celebrating their fighting spirit through inclusive sporting competitions that recognise the sacrifices they have made for their country.

Prince Harry is committed to ensuring that these wounded servicemen and women, who have given so much for their country, are given the respect and support they deserve to lead fulfilling lives post-recovery. The Invictus Games are a testament to Prince Harry's dedication to this cause and have had a lasting impact on the well-being of those who have served their nations bravely.

The Invictus Games have brought together competitors from numerous countries, including Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Georgia, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. The games have shone a spotlight on the resilience and 'Invictus' spirit of these service members and their families, challenging attitudes and changing lives.

Prince Harry has remained closely involved with the Invictus Games even after stepping back from his royal duties. In May 2024, he attended a service at St Paul's Cathedral in London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The Invictus Games are a lasting legacy of Prince Harry's commitment to supporting wounded, injured, and sick service personnel in their journey of recovery and rehabilitation.

Harry and Meghan's move to California

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move to California came as a shock to many, including members of the Royal Family. The couple left their rented home in Vancouver, Canada, and took a private flight to the US before the borders closed between the two countries. The move was reportedly planned for some time, with a source close to the couple stating that they "realised Canada would not work out for various reasons". They also wanted to be based in Los Angeles, where Meghan was raised, and her mother, Doria Ragland, still lives.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have set up a new permanent base in California, living in a secluded compound in Los Angeles. They have a large support network in the area, including Meghan's friends and a new team of Hollywood agents, PRs, and business managers. The relocation means that their young son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, will be closer to his grandmother, Doria.

The move also coincides with Meghan's return to show business. She has narrated a documentary about elephants for Disney, with proceeds going to the charity Elephants Without Borders. Meghan is also reportedly working on a children's book and has other projects in the works.

The couple's transition away from royal life, which began on March 31, includes no longer retaining an office at Buckingham Palace, not using the word "royal" in their independent ventures, and no longer being addressed as "His or Her Royal Highness".

The decision to move to California during the coronavirus pandemic has been criticised by some, who believe that Harry and Meghan should have returned to Britain to support their family and the monarchy during a time of crisis. However, others argue that the move was always planned and that the couple has a right to prioritise their own interests.

Harry's security concerns

Prince Harry's security has been a matter of concern since he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from their senior royal duties and moved to California in 2020. The Duke of Sussex lost his full taxpayer-funded protection, which he previously received as a senior royal, after relocating to the United States. This sparked a series of legal battles between Prince Harry and the UK government regarding his security arrangements when visiting the UK.

Prince Harry challenged the decision to change his security status and argued that he should be allowed to pay for police protection while in the UK. He cited the hostility directed towards him and his wife on social media and by the news media as reasons for needing an armed security detail. However, the High Court ruled that the decision to alter his security arrangements was not unlawful, and he lost his initial bid to appeal this ruling.

The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) determined that Prince Harry's security would be provided on a "case-by-case" basis. This approach has been a source of contention for the Duke, who believes he should receive different treatment regarding his protection. Despite his legal challenges, the High Court upheld RAVEC's decision, and Prince Harry was ordered to pay a significant portion of the Home Office's legal costs.

The Duke of Sussex's security concerns are not unfounded, as there have been reported threats made against him and his family. Additionally, his military background and service in Afghanistan further highlight the potential risks to his safety. However, the UK government and legal system have maintained that the security arrangements in place are appropriate, and Prince Harry continues to seek a resolution that ensures the safety of his family while in the UK.

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