Prince Harry finally answers the question: ‘What do you actually do?

Prince Harry’s July 13 appearance on the “Joe Marler Will See You Now” podcast marked a rare public clarification of his post-royal role, as he listed his occupations as “full-time dad, British Army veteran, Prince of England, Duke.” The statement, made during a mock therapy session, ignited immediate scrutiny over the legitimacy of his title and reignited conversations about his evolving public persona according to Yahoo.

Podcast Appearance and Occupations

During the episode, Harry introduced himself as “Henry Albert Charles David, Duke of Sussex” before detailing his roles. “Full-time dad. British Army veteran. Prince of England. Duke. But for today, I don’t know. What do you want?” he said, according to AOL. The phrasing drew immediate attention, as the term “Prince of England” is not formally used since the 1707 Acts of Union merged England and Scotland into Great Britain. Womanandhome highlighted the historical inaccuracy, noting that Harry’s title should reflect the United Kingdom rather than the now-defunct Kingdom of England.

The discussion also touched on Harry’s work with the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014. When asked if he considered himself the “inventor” of the event, he corrected the host: “Founder” was the accurate term. The podcast served as a promotional platform for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, which will be the first in the UK since the 2014 London edition according to the Independent.

Title Controversy and Public Reaction

The phrase “Prince of England” became a focal point of online backlash. Critics argued that Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, no longer holds an active role in the monarchy and thus should not use the title. One social media user wrote, “There is no such thing as Prince of England??” while another noted, “I don’t think he knows the definition of occupation” according to the Express.

Historian Emily Andrews, quoted in Womanandhome, noted that Harry’s use of the title contradicted the official titles of other royals, such as Prince William, who is referred to as Prince of the United Kingdom. The debate underscored the evolving nature of royal titles and the public’s sensitivity to historical accuracy.

Expert Analysis of Harry’s Public Image

Royal expert Nick Ede, cited in Yahoo, argued that Harry’s podcast appearance offered a more relatable image than his recent public engagements. “This is exactly the sort of appearance” that could help him reconnect with the public, Ede said. He emphasized that the interview showcased a “relaxed and genuinely funny side of him,” contrasting with the legal battles, family tensions, and serious interviews that have defined Harry’s public narrative in recent years.

However, the interview also included candid remarks about his grooming routine, which some critics found cringeworthy. Sh*t, shave, shower and trim my beard every five or six days were among the details Harry shared, prompting The News International to label the moment as “cringeworthy.” The expert Jasmine Carey wrote that such language, while informal, felt out of place for a royal in a public setting.

Broader Implications for Harry’s Role

Harry’s appearance on the podcast coincided with his recent UK visit, which included a rare reunion with King Charles and a court setback over allegations of unlawful information gathering. The Duke was one of seven individuals who claimed private investigators had accessed their voicemails and landlines, a case dismissed by a High Court judge according to the Standard.

The event also highlighted the ongoing tensions between Harry and the royal family. Despite the reunion, there was no meeting between Harry and his brother, Prince William, since their 2020 rift. Usatoday noted that the lack of a meeting underscored the lingering estrangement within the family.

As the 2027 Invictus Games approach, Harry’s role as a founder and advocate for veterans remains central to his public identity. The podcast appearance, while controversial, underscored his effort to balance personal authenticity with his royal heritage. Whether this strategy will reshape his public image remains to be seen, but the conversation it sparked reflects the enduring interest in the Duke’s evolving narrative according to PureWow.

Find more reporting in our Entertainment section.