Experts Claim Prince Harry Is ‘Losing’ His British Accent
Hollywood seems to have left its mark on Prince Harry, who relocated to the United States in 2020 with his wife, Meghan Markle, after stepping back from his royal duties. Fans and experts have noticed that the Duke of Sussex’s British accent is evolving, sparking discussions about his speech in a recent promotional video for the Invictus Games.
According to communication coach and accent expert Anthony Shuster, Harry’s accent has undergone notable changes in just four years. Speaking to The Telegraph, Shuster explained that this shift is a natural social adaptation. “Reflecting back what’s in front of you is a social skill,” he said. “I think posh youngish men of his generation do talk like that.”
Shuster acknowledged that it’s common for young British men to use terms like “man,” “mate,” and “bro,” but pointed out specific American influences in Harry’s speech. For example, the way Harry pronounced “little” as “liddle” mirrors an American tendency to soften the final “t” into a “d.” “That’s something that’s quite distinctly American,” Shuster noted. He added that in American English, words like “writer” and “rider” often sound identical.
This isn’t the first time Prince Harry’s speech has drawn attention. Linguistics expert Jennifer Dorman previously told Cosmopolitan that Harry seems to be adopting American phrases and words to integrate better and be more easily understood by his American audience.
The latest video featuring Harry in a light-hearted skit with singer Jelly Roll reignited the conversation online. Social media users debated the changes in his accent, with one commenting, “It sounds like Prince Harry is losing his British accent.” Another user added, “It’s been 4 years. Born and raised in the most British-speaking family in England, and it only took him 4 years to develop an American accent.”
While some see the change as a natural result of living in a different cultural environment, others view it as a significant shift for someone raised in one of the most traditionally British institutions. Experts suggest that accent adaptation often occurs subconsciously and is driven by a desire to fit in socially and culturally.
Prince Harry, once one of the most beloved members of the royal family, has seen his life transform dramatically since moving to the U.S. His evolving accent is another reminder of how much his life has changed in recent years. Whether intentional or not, his speech reflects his new home and lifestyle, fueling further debate about his ongoing transformation and integration into American society.