Does Harry Attend Royal Ascot Every Year? Why Not Like Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge?

It's a common question among royal watchers and enthusiasts: does Harry Sauze, The Duke of Sussex, attend Royal Ascot every year, and if not, why not?

The Change in Residence

Ever since Harry resigned from his duties as a working royal and moved to Montecito, California, USA, the inquiries about his attendance at Royal Ascot have been frequent. The move to a different hemisphere might indeed signify a change in his participation in royal events.

Reasons for Not Attending Every Year

The simple answer is that The Duke of Sussex does not attend Royal Ascot every year. This is because he now resides in the United States, which factors into his decision on whether to attend the prestigious event or not. If he were still living in the UK, he would likely attend as regularly as the other royals who remain based there.

This Year’s Attendance

This year, as of Day 4, the Duke of York, The Duchess of Kent, and Princess Alexandra have not attended Royal Ascot. Meanwhile, Eugenie and her newborn child are also remaining in the background for the time being.

Understanding the Traditions and Practices

Another query often associated with The Duke of Sussex is regarding his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. However, there is a common misconception here. Catherine is not called the Duchess of Cambridge; she is HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. This title is given to the wife of The Duke of Cambridge, who is also known as the Prince of Wales heir apparent and his wife, HRH The Princess of Wales. They usually attend Royal Ascot only once a year as per tradition.

A Choice of Lifestyle and Its Consequences

Harry chose to leave his royal duties behind and embrace a new, more personal life. This decision, as with any major life change, comes with its own set of consequences. If he had chosen to remain a working royal, he would have been entitled to a special ticket to Royal Ascot, just like Prince William. However, opting out of the royal life means he now lives a different lifestyle and makes different choices regarding his attendance at such events.

The question about whether Harry gets a special ticket can be compared to asking why someone who has left their job doesn't still receive a company Christmas bonus. It highlights the personal choices and the shifting dynamics of modern royal life.

Final Thoughts

The world of royal events is a complex and evolving one. The Duke of Sussex’s decision to reside in the USA is a significant part of this change. It’s important to understand both the traditional practices and the personal choices that contribute to the current dynamics of royal attendance at events like Royal Ascot.