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Prince Harry has faced strong online backlash after being introduced as “Harry Wales” at an event earlier this week. The Duke of Sussex, 41, was taking part in the St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship in Aspen, Colorado, just days ago.
He is said to have stepped in to play as a substitute for a friend and competed as a member of the Aspen Valley team.
While Harry’s participation in the polo match itself was not controversial, the way he was introduced sparked debate, with the commentator referring to him as “Harry Wales.”
The name is not one Harry currently uses, as Wales is associated with Prince William, who holds the title of Prince of Wales, and his immediate family. Harry only used the surname Wales when his father, King Charles, previously held the Prince of Wales title before ascending the throne.
The use of “Harry Wales” at the event also left many royal fans confused, as Harry’s official title — despite stepping back from royal duties — remains The Duke of Sussex, a title he received on his wedding day in 2018. This is the designation he typically uses when introducing himself at public events.
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After a clip of the moment Harry was introduced as “Harry Wales” circulated online, royal fans were quick to voice their frustration.
One person wrote: “He’s no longer Wales!!!” Another commented: “He used to be Wales when he was the son of the Prince of Wales. Times have changed — he’s meant to be Sussex now, but it seems he’s still living in the past.”
A third added: “He isn’t Harry Wales. William and Catherine’s children are Wales — he’s not one of them.”
Another fan simply reacted: “This can’t be real.”
