Prince Harry reflects on never being allowed to vote growing up in the royal family

Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the Upfront Summit in Los Angeles on Thursday, where he spoke about investing in the future, service, and his experiences growing up in the royal family—including never being allowed to vote.

Addressing a crowd of venture capital leaders, creators, and changemakers, the Duke of Sussex, 40, spoke about the importance of finding solutions for a divided society.

"I’m here to talk about something that I believe will resonate with all of you as leaders, creators, builders, and changemakers: How do we invest in our shared future to solve the challenges we face today as a divided society?” he said.

Harry emphasized his commitment to service, adding: "As a dad, this has me constantly looking for solutions. As a man who was born into a life of service, I recognize that with power and a platform comes responsibility. And these days, I am determined to find and invest in solutions.”

The Duke reflected on his long-standing dedication to charitable initiatives, highlighting The Invictus Games Foundation, which he founded in 2014 to support wounded and injured veterans through sports, and The Archewell Foundation, which focuses on digital safety, education, and mental health awareness.

"Since then, while my charities remain a core part of my life’s work, I’ve also been focusing on upstream solutions and prevention, driven by decisions and investments that address problems before they require fixing."

The Duke also reflected on how his move to the U.S. has changed his perspective on service and investment, acknowledging the contrast between his past royal life and his current work.

"The way that I answer the question of how we invest in our shared future is different now living in the U.S., compared to when I was living in the U.K. Why? Because before I moved, so much of my life revolved around charity."

He then lightheartedly admitted that his upbringing kept him away from politics, saying: "I'm not one to be caught in the divide between left or right views, not cornered by a belief in blue or red. Hell, I’ve never even been allowed to vote!"

Harry concluded his speech by addressing the role of technology in today’s world, emphasizing the need to prioritize ethical and human-centered decision-making.

"Every business decision can reflect a commitment to serving others, whether it’s your customers, your community, or the planet. That’s the future I see: companies that are designed not just for profit but for an investment in a better shared future.”

As he continues to invest in companies aligned with his values, Prince Harry is reinforcing his dedication to service, philanthropy, and social responsibility in both business and personal life.

What is Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's connection to the Invictus Games?

The Invictus Games hold special significance for Prince Harry, as he founded the event in 2014 to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. Meghan Markle has been a steadfast supporter, often attending the games alongside her husband. Their joint appearances at these events highlight their shared commitment to veteran causes and provide a platform to showcase their solidarity as a couple.

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