As the saying goes, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' and it seems Prince Harry has taken this to heart since moving across the pond. The Duke of Sussex, who once epitomised the quintessential British gentleman with his crisp accent and regal demeanour, has been stirring up quite the conversation among royal watchers and linguistics experts alike. The buzz? His speech is now sprinkled with a Californian flavour that's hard to miss.

It's been over four years since Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from their roles as senior working royals and set up their new life under the sunny skies of Montecito, California. Educated at the prestigious Eton College, Prince Harry was the archetype of the King's English. However, recent appearances suggest that the Duke's linguistic loyalties might be shifting.


In a video clip promoting the Invictus Games, Prince Harry's use of American slang and a seemingly altered accent caught the attention of fans and experts. The clip, which features a playful interaction with musician Jelly Roll at New York's East Side Ink tattoo parlour, showcases Harry saying 'Screw it, let's do it,' and using terms like 'dude' and 'big man'. Even his exclamations have taken on the American habit of raising the voice at the end of sentences.


This linguistic evolution has not gone unnoticed. Social media users and royal fans have been quick to point out the changes, with comments ranging from surprise to delight. Some have even noted that his British accent seems 'more diluted' as American intonations make their way into his speech.


But what do the experts say? Communication coach and accent specialist Anthony Shuster observed that there's a stark contrast between the King's English and the way Prince Harry now speaks, with less articulation and a more relaxed tone. Linguistics expert Jennifer Dorman pointed out that since his move to the U.S. in 2020, Harry's vocabulary has become noticeably more Americanised, with phrases like 'awesome' and 'you guys' creeping into his lexicon.

It's not uncommon for individuals to pick up speech patterns from their environment, especially when they're as immersive as a new country and family. Harry's shift could be a natural adaptation to his surroundings, a subconscious effort to fit in, or even a simple case of mimicking those closest to him—namely, his American wife, Meghan.

Watch a commentary about Prince Harry's skit here:

This phenomenon isn't unique to Prince Harry. Many expatriates find that their native accents and idioms evolve over time as they acclimate to their new homes. It's a testament to the malleable nature of language and how it can reflect our personal journeys and life changes.


As for Prince Harry, whether this linguistic blending is a temporary phase or a permanent fixture, it's clear that his new life in America is having an influence on him in more ways than one. And while some may mourn the loss of his British charm, others celebrate his ability to adapt and embrace his new culture.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, what do you think about Prince Harry's accent transformation? Is it a sign of a man embracing his new life, or do you miss the familiar tones of his royal roots? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and let's chat about the fascinating ways our language can change with our life's journey.