As the Duke of Sussex celebrated his birthday last week, many birthday cards likely featured the name “Harry,” but that’s not his real name. When Harry returns to the UK later this month, his passport will show his official name: Henry.
He was christened in 1984 as Henry Charles Albert David. Despite this, his parents, the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana, decided he would be called “Harry” throughout his life.
Traditionally, royal names are often chosen from family history, and “Henry” was a popular name during Tudor times, famously borne by King Henry VIII.
However, Harry’s parents only used “Henry” on rare occasions, like when he was in trouble. The name is now reserved for formal settings, such as when the late Queen gave her formal consent for Harry to marry Meghan Markle.
Harry is also affectionately called “Harold” by his brother, Prince William. His middle names carry personal and historical significance. “Charles” honors his father, and “Albert” pays tribute to Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. “David” was the family nickname for King Edward VIII.
Interestingly, Harry’s father, Charles, originally wanted to name him “Albert.” In his memoir, Harry revealed that his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, loved Queen Victoria, and Charles hoped to name his youngest son after her husband. However, Princess Diana vetoed the idea.
Harry’s parents also had differing opinions on the name of their eldest son, Prince William. Charles favored “Arthur,” but Diana preferred the stronger-sounding “William.”
In the end, just as Albert became one of Harry’s middle names, Arthur was included as one of William’s.
