Prince Harry, born Sept. 15 1984, has grown up in the spotlight. As a member of the British royal family, and the second son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, significant moments from Harry’s life were documented for the public, including the royal’s style sensibility and wardrobe evolution.
Between military regalia for special royal occasions, suiting up for engagements during his time as a senior member of the House of Windsor, to his newfound off-duty California dressing, Prince Harry’s style has indeed changed through the years, even if the updates were ever-so slight.
Ahead, see the ways in which the 40-year-old’s royal wardrobe has evolved.
2002
Prince Harry leaves Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church Dec. 25, 2002 in Sandringham, United Kingdom.
Getty Images
Prince Harry joined members of his family for Christmas Day services at Sandringham Church in 2002. A tradition for members of the royal family, it’s often a site where such members as Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle made unique fashion statements.
At 18 years old, just entering young adulthood, Harry opted for a suit with a light blue, button-down shirt and yellow tie, which he wore beneath a double-breasted black coat for the wintertime weather.
2008
Prince Harry attends sunset pageant ‘The City Salute’ hosted by the City of London at St. Paul’s Cathedral on May 7, 2008 in London.
Getty Images
By 2008, Harry became a more public-facing member of the British royal family. Continuing his suited style, Harry opted for a blue and white checked button-down shirt, but toyed with color blocking with her merlot-hue and navy tie while attending an event at St. Paul’s Cathedral. With a reputation as one of the more cheeky members of the British royal family, Harry’s wardrobe displayed subtle signs of playfulness even if it was by way of pattern combinations and color.
2011
Prince Harry greets crowd of admirers from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011 in London.
Getty Images
On the day of his old brother Prince William’s wedding in April 2011, Prince Harry showed off his military regalia, wearing medals, a black dress coat festooned with gold belt, buttons down the front placket and ornate roping on the shoulders. Harry’s military service is a point of pride for the royal. He memorably wore his frockcoat uniform of the Blues and the Royals on his wedding day to Meghan Markle in May 2018.
2019
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex depart from Birkenhead Town Hall on Jan. 14, 2019 in Birkenhead, England.
Getty Images
2019-2020 was a tumultuous time of scrutiny for both the Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Their public engagements, however, showcased a more buttoned-up approach to fashion for Prince Harry. Layered looks, occasion dressing and even a “Don Draper suit” came to the fore of Harry’s style. Ever since those years, Harry’s suit tailoring has adopted a slimmer look.
2024
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on May 8, 2024 in London.
Getty Images
Now settled in Montecito, Calif., the Duke of Sussex’s style is linked to an off-duty philanthropist sensibility.
Still, the royal is seen in quintessential suited looks to this day, some of which harken back to his royal duty days. Last May, Harry traveled to London to celebrate the Invictus Games Foundation’s 10th anniversary. He attended an event at St. Paul’s Cathedral, suited up in tailored attire with the addition of rather sentimental military honors.
Among the medals Harry wore with his tailored suit was the Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) medal. The medal was given to Prince Harry by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2015 for services to the monarchy.
Since his move to California, Harry has also been seen embracing more neutral tones as opposed to darker colors associated with his suited looks. Rolled up sleeves and camel-hued pieces, sometimes coordinated with his wife’s attire, have become more prominent in his wardrobe, as Harry embraces Montecito style and a quiet luxury sensibility.
