Prince Harry astonished viewers by seemingly acquiring a substantial neck tattoo in a promotional video for his Invictus Games.
In the promotional clip for the Games scheduled in Canada early next year, Prince Harry cries out as he seems to be receiving a tattoo from American music artist Jelly Roll, as per Billboard Canada. In the illustration, the country musician and rapper humorously asserts that Harry has consented to receive his inaugural tattoo.
However, it is not solely the fact that Prince Harry appeared to consent to being "inked" for the sketch; his newly adopted American-style accent also elicited considerable skepticism. In the video, Prince Harry's speech markedly contrasts with his royal family's, as five years of residing in California appears to have imparted an American tinge to his accent.
The video presents multiple instances where Prince Harry employs terminology more frequently linked to American dialects, such as "dude" instead of "buddy" and "a**" instead of the British equivalent "a**e."
Nearly five years have elapsed since Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle announced their decision to resign as senior working royals and relocate to the United States to establish a new life.
There have been other instances in the past when Prince Harry has featured in videos, during which his refined English accent has seemingly diminished. In 2022, he was featured in an additional promotional campaign for the technology start-up Better Up, where he serves as the chief impact officer. Subsequently, observers remarked on the alteration in his accent.
At that time, speech and accent specialist Emma Serlin, founder of the London Speech Workshop, informed The Mirror that Prince Harry's accent alterations indicated he was more "of the people" than royal.
She stated that Prince Harry's accent now appears significantly more rounded and middle-class than upper-class. Quintessentially, he embodies his known persona as the affable prince, exuding charm and establishing connections with individuals. He is the son of his mother.
Prince Harry is allegedly now more explicitly "of the people." He has consistently moderated and reduced the traditional royal accent, although he was formerly more closely connected with the Royal Family. Harry hardly interacts with the Royal Family; he is no longer aligned with them as he once was, nor does he engage with them similarly.
She stated that Prince Harry has modified his accent to better engage with the individuals he encounters daily and those in his vicinity. Ultimately, Emma is convinced that he would amplify his accent in the presence of the Royal Family once more, but it fundamentally pertains to adapting to foster bonds.
Social media users expressed various views regarding Prince Harry's transformation, from appreciation to doubt. "Is the tattoo real? Either way, Prince Harry sure knows how to keep us guessing!" one netizen wrote. "The American accent suits him! He's adapting to his new life, and I think it's great," another X user shared.
"What's next? Harry's drift from his roots is getting harder to watch," a third source noted. "The tattoo was obviously fake, but the accent? That's real, and it's fascinating!" another netizen said.
"Harry's speech is clearly evolving. Can't blame him-five years in the U.S. will do that," a fifth X user stated. "Whatever accent he has, he's still doing amazing work with the Invictus Games. Let's not lose focus," another netizen added.
Business Times has reached out to Prince Harry for comments.
