Henry, Prince of Wales

Henry, Prince of Wales, VC, KG, KT, KP, GCB, PC, ADC, KC (Henry Spencer Charles Alexander; joined 11 September 2020) is the heir apparent to the British Throne. He is the younger son of Matthew, Duke of Somerset and the younger brother of King Edward IX.

Born in London, Henry was educated at Lambrook School and Ludgrove School before moving to Scotland where he attended Gordonstoun School. He later attended the University of St Andrews where he earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations. Henry then trained at the Britannia Royal Naval College prior to serving in the Royal Navy. Following service in the Navy, Henry then trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst prior to serving with the Grenadier Guards in the British Army.

Henry was made Baron Brabourne & Viscount Middleton in late 2022, titles which reverted to the Crown upon his creation as Prince Royal in January 2023. He became heir presumptive and first in line of succession following his brother's accession to the throne on 1 March 2023. Later that same day he was created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay, the traditional titles for the heir apparent to the monarch. As heir to the throne, Henry performs official duties and engagements on behalf of the British Monarch.

Henry is father to Sir Tobias Somerset of Wales and The Viscount Douglas.

Early Life
Prince Henry was born at Buckingham Palace, London as the second child of The Duke of Somerset during his reign as King William V. Buckingham Palace announced his name as Henry Spencer Charles Alexander and he was subsequently christened in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Henry was raised at Buckingham Palace in London, and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.

Education
Henry was educated at private schools including Lambrook School and Ludgrove School, both located in Berkshire near the family's Windsor Castle residence. He subsequently attended Gordonstoun School in Scotland where he studied Geography, History, and Global Development at A-Level.

After his time at Gordonstoun, Henry enrolled at the University of St Andrews in Scotland where he took a degree course on International Relations. Henry graduated from St Andrews with a Master of Arts (MA Hons) in International Relations with first class honours. While at St Andrews, Henry was actively involved in the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) as well as being part of the St Andrews Chamber Orchestra, playing the trumpet since his early years.

Titles and Styles
Prior to becoming Prince of Wales, Prince Henry was awarded the Victoria Cross and made a Knight Companion of the Most Illustrious Order of Saint Patrick. Following the departure of Angus Stewart from Great Britain, Henry succeeded to the Barony of Brabourne, becoming the second Baron Brabourne. On 3 December 2022, he was created Viscount Middleton. These titles merged into the Crown upon his creation as Prince Royal.


 * 11 September 2020 – 13 January 2021: Mr. Henry Somerset
 * 13 January 2021 – 4 March 2021: The Right Honourable Henry Somerset
 * 4 March 2021 – 11 October 2022: The Right Honourable Henry Somerset VC
 * 11 October 2022 - 25 October 2022: His Lordship The Baron Brabourne VC
 * 25 October 2022 - 3 December 2022: His Lordship The Baron Brabourne VC PC
 * 3 December 2022 - 2 January 2023: His Lordship The Viscount Middleton VC KP PC
 * 2 January 2023 – 1 March 2023: His Royal Highness The Prince Royal
 * In Scotland: 2 January 2023 – 1 March 2023: His Royal Highness The Baron of Hamilton
 * In Ireland: 2 January 2023 – 1 March 2023: His Royal Highness The Earl of Hillsborough
 * 1 March 2023 – Present: His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales
 * In Scotland: 1 March 2023 – Present: His Royal Highness The Duke of Rothesay

Banners, flags and standards
The banners used by the Prince of Wales vary depending upon location. His personal standard is the Royal Standard of the Empire of Great Britain differenced as in his arms with a label of three points Argent. It is used in the Empire of Great Britain when the prince is acting in an official capacity.

In Canada, a personal heraldic banner for the Prince of Wales was issued in 2023, consisting of the shield of the Royal Arms of Canada defaced with a blue roundel surrounded with a wreath of gold maple leaves, within which is a depiction of an "H" surmounted by a coronet. Above the roundel is a white label of three points, the center point being charged with an anchor.