With the release of his new memoir, Spare (which is already a massive bestseller), it feels like we've never known more about Prince Harry than we do right now. Really, once we've learned that someone had a frostbitten penis, it can be hard to imagine that we don't know everything about them. While there is plenty of controversy about Harry and whether or not he's to blame for the couple falling out with the royal family, there is one thing that nobody can debate: Harry loves being a dad.
Harry is a proud papa to son Archie, 3, and daughter Lilibet, 1, and although he's reluctant to share too much about their lives, it is clear that he completely gets all the highs and lows of the realities of being a modern dad. From the eager anticipation of impending fatherhood to the tendency to make corny dad jokes to the realities of figuring out what the ideal number of kids might be, Harry has spoken out about it all with his trademark warmth and good humor.
We put down our copy of his juicy book long enough to round up some of our favorite moments when Harry totally nailed the complicated, hilarious, and sweet realities of being a father today.
The Desire to Make the World a Better Place
Girl Dad Vibes
Of course Harry adores both of his kids, but we couldn't help but smile seeing him rocking a "Girl Dad" T-shirt in this video clip from Travalyst. There really is something special about fathers who are excited to raise strong, independent daughters.
The Juggle of Two
In 2021, while presenting at the WellChild Awards, Harry was overheard bonding with singer Ed Sheeran about the realities of having more than one child. ITV News reported that Harry described having two kids as "definitely a juggle." Isn't that the truth!
Family Size Matters
Harry understands the reality that kids are a joy and also a lot of work. People reported that he and Meghan aren't planning to have a big family, explaining that when a fan of the couple suggested that they have five children, Harry laughed and said, "Five children? — too many." There is something to be said about knowing one's limits when it comes to parenting.
Real Dads Make Dad Jokes
There is one inescapable reality of dad life: dad jokes. Dad jokes are the corny or groan-worthy attempts at humor that men apparently just can't stop themselves from making. For Harry, that impulse kicked in while Meghan was still pregnant. The Evening Standard reported that while on tour in Morocco, "a teacher congratulated the pair on their pregnancy. Harry responded in mock surprise, 'She's pregnant?' Meghan put her acting skills to work and rolled with it, placing a hand on his back as she responded, 'Surprise!'
'Is it mine?' he asked."
See? Dad joke genes kicking in early for Harry!
Dad Pride
One of the sweeter realities of dad life is just how proud they can be when their little ones hit those big life milestones. Harry was in full dad brag mode in April 2022 when he shared with People that little Lilibet started walking at just 10 months old.
Kids Are the Upgrade
Even before he was a dad, Harry's royal service was often focused on kids. He told People that kids are the "upgrade of us," adding: "All the amazing things that are going to happen in the future, it's all going to be them." It's a sentiment that is no doubt even more relevant to him now that he is helping to raise the next generation.
