Prince Harry’s real name is not actually Harry – but most people don’t know. Even amongst royal enthusiasts, this is a fact about the prince that often goes under the radar. The Duke of Sussex’s real name is Henry Charles Albert David.

Unlike most people, he doesn’t have a traditional surname either, having previously used “Wales” as a boy. Fans also spotted Harry’s real name was listed on his son, Archie’s, birth certificate. “PRINCE HARRYS REAL NAME IS HENRY?? wtf,” one individual posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another agreed: “PRINCE HARRYS REAL NAME IS H E N R Y?”

A third person added: “I just learned Prince Harry (or anyone in the royal family) does not possess a last name, nor born with one. Wild,” while a fourth was equally surprised: “Prince Harry isn’t called Harry?!”

Even the Prince himself has joked about the confusion surrounding his name, reports Cambridgeshire Live.

At the WellChild Awards in 2024, he said: “My name is Henry, but everyone calls me Harry. I have no idea.”

While “Harry” is commonly used as a standalone name today, it began as a nickname for “Henry”.

In Medieval England, “Harry” was the spoken form of the name.

The Telegraph previously reported that during his military service, Harry was known as Captain Harry Wales, a nod to his father, King Charles, who was the Prince of Wales at the time.

He also adopted Mountbatten-Windsor as a surname, following Queen Elizabeth II’s decree that any Royal requiring a last name could use it.

His children, Archie and Lilibet, also bear the Mountbatten-Windsor surname, which is included on their birth certificates, along with their respective middle names, Harrison and Diana.

Prince Harry is one of the most popular royals in the world, as well as one of the most well known.

According to data collected by YouGov, he’s the eighth most famous royal in the UK following relatives including Prince William, Princess Catherine, and King Charles, reports The List.