Prince Harry appears to have intentionally avoided using his royal title at a recent polo event, raising questions about his relationship with the British monarchy and his future identity.
The Incident: A Deliberate Omission?
During the St. Regis Snow Polo Championship in Aspen, Colorado, Harry was introduced simply as “Harry Wales,” omitting any royal designation. According to a source speaking to Page Six, this was not an accident. The move was perceived as a way to downplay his lineage while enjoying a private polo match with close friend Nacho Figueras.
The use of “Wales” is notable, as Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, predominantly use “Sussex” as their surname. However, Harry was born Prince Henry of Wales, reflecting his father’s title at the time.
Why It Matters: A Symbolic Shift?
This move comes amid ongoing tension between Harry and his brother, Prince William, who now holds the title of Prince of Wales. Some observers interpret this as a deliberate distancing from the monarchy, with speculation that Harry may anticipate further stripping of titles or is signaling his intention to embrace a non-royal identity.
Social media has been quick to react, with one user noting the oddity of using “Wales” when “Sussex” is his established surname. Another suggested it could be a preemptive move, preparing for the potential removal of royal titles altogether.
The Official Response: A “Mistake?”
Harry’s spokesperson dismissed the incident as an accidental slip of the tongue, insisting that he identifies as “Harry Sussex.” However, this explanation is met with skepticism given the deliberate nature of the introduction.
Meghan’s Lead: Embracing “Sussex”
This incident echoes a similar shift by Meghan Markle, who earlier this year stated she now identifies solely as “Sussex,” sharing the name with her children, Archie and Lilibet. This move was framed as a way to create a strong family identity, separate from the weight of the Markle surname.
The couple’s choices around their last names suggest a deliberate effort to forge a new identity outside the traditional constraints of the royal family.
The incident underscores the ongoing estrangement between Harry and the monarchy, and his willingness to redefine his public persona on his own terms.
The future of Harry’s relationship with the royal family remains uncertain, but these symbolic gestures signal a clear desire to carve out a distinct path forward.
