There are currently no indications that Prince Harry is aiming to become the next king of the United Kingdom. In fact, Harry is sixth in line to the throne and has taken multiple steps away from royal duties, particularly since his departure from senior royal roles in 2020. Harry has also repeatedly expressed contentment in his life outside the institution, focusing on his family and personal projects in the United States rather than positioning himself for royal power.
1. His Departure from Royal Duties Shows a Different Focus
One of the most significant signs that Prince Harry is not aiming to become king is his departure from royal duties. In January 2020, Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, announced that they were stepping back from their roles as senior royals. This decision, often referred to as “Megxit,” shocked many and underscored their wish for a more independent life. By stepping away, Harry relinquished certain royal duties and privileges, including the use of his HRH title in official capacities and the military roles he held with pride.
These actions are contrary to the responsibilities that come with being in line for the throne. Instead, they reflect a desire to pursue a more private, self-directed life. Harry’s decision to leave royal life has been widely interpreted as an effort to focus on his family’s well-being and mental health rather than to seek more power or influence within the monarchy.
2. Public Criticisms of the Institution
If Prince Harry were trying to become the next king, it’s unlikely that he would be openly critical of the royal institution. Since leaving his role as a senior royal, Harry has been candid about the difficulties he faced within the royal family and has openly discussed how the institution affected him and Meghan. For instance, in his 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry spoke about feeling trapped within the royal structure and shared concerns about the toll that public scrutiny took on their mental health.
Harry has also commented on the “invisible contract” between the British press and the royal family, which he believes often results in an unhealthy, invasive relationship with the media. These criticisms, and Harry’s willingness to reveal family struggles in his memoir, *Spare*, and in various media interviews, have distanced him from traditional royal expectations. If he were trying to position himself for the throne, adopting a more neutral or supportive stance toward the monarchy would likely be a strategic move, rather than airing grievances that might undermine the institution.
3. His Commitment to a Life in the United States
Another key indicator that Harry is not angling for kingship is his commitment to life in the United States. Since relocating to California with Meghan, Harry has built a new life focused on family, charity work, and media projects under their Archewell Foundation. The couple’s move was partly driven by their desire for privacy and independence, both of which would be challenging to maintain if Harry intended to be a central figure in the British monarchy.
Their work with Archewell has focused on issues like mental health, equality, and social justice, reflecting a different set of values and priorities than the ceremonial and charitable roles typically associated with the British royals. Building a stable, engaged life in the U.S. demonstrates a commitment to personal priorities rather than ambitions to lead or influence the monarchy.
4. Emphasis on Healing and Mental Health Advocacy
Harry’s focus on mental health is another clear sign that he’s more invested in creating positive social change than in climbing the royal ranks. His involvement in mental health advocacy, including his work with Apple TV’s *The Me You Can’t See*, aims to break the stigma around mental health struggles and encourage open conversations about well-being.
Harry has often said that his mother, Princess Diana, influenced his commitment to helping others, and his work in this area continues to reflect her legacy. These efforts, however, are outside the realm of traditional royal responsibilities. A prince interested in becoming king would likely focus on ceremonial duties and maintaining relationships with the British government, Commonwealth nations, and other royals rather than promoting causes that aren’t typically part of the monarchy’s core mission.
5. Distance from the Line of Succession
Finally, Harry’s position in the line of succession makes it improbable that he would attempt to position himself as a future king. As the younger son of King Charles III, Harry was always intended for a different path than his older brother, Prince William, who is the direct heir to the throne. William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, have long been seen as the future of the monarchy, raising their children under royal traditions and focusing on ceremonial duties.
Harry, on the other hand, has increasingly distanced himself from these responsibilities and has spoken of the need for change within the institution. His children, Archie and Lilibet, are being raised largely outside of royal protocol, emphasizing a different vision of family life. For Harry to suddenly change course and aim for the throne would be inconsistent with his recent actions and the life he has built with Meghan.
Conclusion: Prince Harry’s True Focus
While media outlets often speculate about Harry’s intentions or portray him as a disruptor within the royal family, his actions and words indicate that he’s pursuing a different path. His departure from royal duties, commitment to a life outside the UK, and advocacy for social issues all point to a desire to live independently and pursue meaningful work beyond the traditional royal roles.
Rather than aiming to become king, Harry appears focused on establishing a legacy of compassion, mental health awareness, and social justice. These goals align with his values and the personal mission he’s articulated in numerous interviews. Harry’s dedication to these causes, and his openness about the challenges he’s faced, resonate with those who admire his courage to forge his own path. In contrast to ambitions for the throne, his actions reveal a desire to live authentically, honor his mother’s legacy, and create positive change outside of the royal structure.