Royals

Prince Harry asks not to be called a Prince as he makes his first official appearance since moving away from the UK

The Duke of Sussex is wrapping up his final few engagements as he steps back from his royal role.
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Having a flashy fancy title isn’t everything – and Prince Harry is living proof.

Indeed the 35-year-old royal, who recently stepped back from his regal role within the British firm has made it perfectly clear that his title of Prince isn’t the be all and end all for him – and it was done in a way no one quite expected.

Prince Harry had a surprise announcement as he stepped out for the first time since returning to the UK.

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Stepping out to attend his first engagement back in the UK since he moved away to Canada with wife Meghan Markle, the Prince was all smiles as he attended a summit for environmentally conscious travel organisation, Travelyst.

The ginger-haired royal was there to give his own presentation, but it was what was said before said presentation that really captured everyone’s attention.

Introducing the Prince, host Ayesha Hazarika said: “[Harry] wants to say a few words to kick start the day and he’s made it clear that we are all just to call him ‘Harry’… So, ladies and gentlemen please give a big Scottish welcome to Harry.”

A round of applause sounded following the startling remark, and Harry took it all in his stride.

Harry spoke candidly at the Travelyst event.

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The fate of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s royal titles have been up in the air since their departure from the royal family was announced in January.

After long discussions with the Queen, it was decided that the pair would no longer have HRH status given they were stepping back from their regal roles and working to become financially independent.

It was also recently confirmed the pair will lose the ‘royal’ title from their personal umbrella organisation, Sussex Royal, which promotes each of the charities they are involved with.

While a new name has yet to be announced by the pair, we’re expecting to see the change come into play from April 1, when they officially begin their transition away from royal life.

Harry and Meghan’s royal titles were a point of contention in the weeks following their shock exit.

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Until then, there are several final engagements the pair will attend over the coming weeks in their capacity as senior royal family members.

Next week, we’ll see Harry and Meghan attend the Endeavour Fund Awards, as well as the Mountbatten Music Festival at the Royal Albert Hall.

And HRH’s or not, we can fully expect to see a right royal fashion display from Meghan at each.

WATCH: Prince Harry is spotted putting in a good word for Meghan to the Disney CEO on the red carpet. Story continues…

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While it will undoubtedly be sad to see Harry and Meghan step back as royals, there’s no doubt the pair have big things to come.

Over the last month alone, reports have been rife on the pair’s various movements – they attended a top secret summit with banking giant JP Morgan in Miami, as well as paying a sneaky visit to Stanford University, where it’s understood they discussed plans for their new charitable enterprise.

Watch this space!

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