Prince Harry appeared to set aside his royal title while taking part in last week’s high-profile St. Regis Snow Polo Championship in Aspen. According to an insider who spoke exclusively to Page Six, he was introduced simply as “Harry Wales,” with no reference to any royal status throughout the event.
Sources say the Duke of Sussex was eager to keep things low-key and focus solely on enjoying the game alongside his close friend, professional polo player Nacho Figueras. “He was there to play polo with his best friend Nacho,” the insider explained, adding, “No titles, just fun.” It was also noted that Harry wanted to avoid media attention during the competition, although security reportedly kept photographers at a distance once he stepped off the field.
The celebrity-filled event drew a star-studded crowd, including Colman Domingo, Phoebe Dynevor, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Shaun White and Martha Hunt. Harry’s representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The choice to use the surname “Wales” raised some questions, as Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, formally use Sussex as their family name. Born His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, Harry previously went by Harry Wales during his military service, following a long-standing royal tradition in which princes and princesses use their father’s territorial title as a surname. Prince William followed the same convention and now holds the title Prince of Wales after King Charles III ascended the throne.
Queen Elizabeth II granted Harry and Meghan the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles upon their marriage in 2018. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, they relinquished the HRH style but continue to use their ducal titles. Meghan has since confirmed she uses Sussex as her last name, citing its significance as the shared family name with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Despite ongoing debate, the couple has remained firm about retaining their titles, with Harry previously questioning what difference renouncing them would make.
