Before stepping down as a senior member of the Royal Family in 2020, Prince Harry was one of the most popular figures within the royal household and among the media. Known for his charm and charisma, the Duke of Sussex had a special connection with both his relatives and royal staff, according to former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, Alisa Anderson.
In an interview on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Anderson reflected on her time working at the palace from 2001 to 2013, highlighting Harry’s endearing qualities. “Harry was the media’s darling,” she shared. “He was the war hero, he’d served in Afghanistan, he was a cheeky chappie.”
Anderson emphasized the stark contrast between Harry and his brother, Prince William, in the eyes of the media. “If you speak to royal correspondents who have been in the job a long time, they all absolutely loved Harry,” she explained. “Compared to William, in fact. William was seen as more serious and shy, but Harry was the life and soul of the party.”
During his time as a working royal, Harry was widely admired for his humor, intelligence, and easy-going nature. “He couldn’t do a thing wrong,” Anderson recalled, noting that Harry’s reputation as a lovable and approachable royal was solidified during those years. “When I spoke to him, he was funny and intelligent.”
One of the key aspects of Harry’s legacy as a senior royal was his deep passion for the military. Anderson pointed out that his dedication to causes like the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded service personnel, remains a testament to his commitment. “He was passionate about the military – the Invictus Games is clearly a testament to that,” she said.
Anderson also shared a lighthearted memory of posing for a photograph with Harry, which further highlighted his approachable and down-to-earth personality. “I’ve got a photograph in my hall of Harry and I with our arms around each other outside a ladies’ loo – don’t read anything into this,” she joked. “It was hilarious. He was very happy to pose with a member of staff for a photograph.”
Reflecting on her time with Harry, Anderson’s fondness for the prince was clear. “I can only speak from experience, but that was what he was like – the media’s darling,” she concluded.
Harry’s departure from royal duties in 2020 marked a significant shift in his public image, but Anderson’s recollections serve as a reminder of his once-beloved status within both the Royal Family and the wider media.