Prince Harry has once again found himself at the center of attention, but this time the topic of discussion isn’t another scandal or speech—it’s his accent. An accent expert explained that the British tone of King Charles III’s son is becoming less noticeable, giving way to an American way of speaking.
In a short video filmed as part of the promotion for the Invictus Games, the 40-year-old prince was heard saying phrases like “Screw it, let’s do it” and referring to a master as “dude.” Instead of the British “arse,” he used the American “ass.” According to accent expert Laura Bailey, these changes are no accident. “His sounds have shifted towards a less formal British accent, which could be related to a desire not to stand out and to feel more like a ‘normal person,'” Bailey explained.
She noted that the shift in accent could be either an unconscious process or a conscious decision. “You might want to fit in with new friends, sound more like your spouse, or appear more approachable in a new social setting,” Bailey suggested. In Prince Harry’s case, the expert believes that all these factors could be at play.
Since moving to California in 2020, Harry has found himself less often surrounded by people with traditional “Royal English.” His days are now spent in Montecito, where he lives with his wife Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. There, his speech is gradually adapting to the local culture. “When you’re in a new environment, your accent can begin to change automatically.”
Harry has yet to comment on the rumors about his accent, but his openness and willingness to adapt to his new life are admirable. As Bailey pointed out, these changes reflect his desire to feel comfortable in his new role and environment. Despite these changes, there are rumors that Harry and Meghan may be experiencing a relationship crisis, with their public outings becoming increasingly rare.
