Henry Charles Albert David was born on September 15, 1984, at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London. He was the second-born son of Charles, Prince of Wales [now-King Charles III] and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. At the time of his birth, the baby – who was dubbed ‘Harry’ from an early age – was third to the royal throne. He was christened on December 21, 1984, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie.
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Harry’s world came crashing down in August 1997 after the death of his beloved mother when he was just 12. Reflecting on the time following her death, Harry wrote in Spare how his young brain blocked out the trauma. He added that he can’t recall what he said in those moments that would change his life forever, and how blurry and shock-ridden the subsequent days were. As Harry grew into a teenager, attempts were made to shield both Harry and William from the public eye. Harry joined Eton College, a time which he had reflecting on fondly. He did. however, speak of the “profound shock” at joining Eton.
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After first visiting Africa aged 12, Harry – pictured here in March 2004 – has since had a lifelong love of the continent and one which would help him find his focus in life. In his memoir, Harry described his experiences in Africa as “life-changing” and “formative”. He wrote: “highest compliment he’d ever received” from a friend in Africa: “She said: ‘I think your body was born in Britain, but your soul was born here in Africa’.” He has since made many visits back to Africa in his 20s, even working on projects in Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana.
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