Prince Harry & Jon Bon Jovi Sing at One of Harry's Last Events

The Duke Of Sussex Visits Abbey Road Studios

(Image credit: WPA Pool)

published 28 February 2020

Prince Harry, who has now asked to go by "just Harry," was completing one of his final royal events today.
Jon Bon Jovi, who's re-recording a song for Invictus Games, joked that he'll call Harry the "Artist Formerly Known as Prince." I love it.
After the news that Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer be able to use "Sussex Royal," fans have been waiting to hear what their new moniker will be.

As Prince Harry (who now wants to go by "just Harry") does his last few events before exiting the Royal Family as a senior royal, he had the chance to visit Abbey Road studios with none other than music legend Jon Bon Jovi. According to Invictus Games Foundation, Bon Jovi had written the song "Unbroken" after hearing stories of veterans with PTSD, and offered the re-record of the song for Invictus. Harry, who started the games and says he'll continue with it even after stepping back, has said he's particularly fond of the cause.

The duo looked absolutely delighted to be in each other's presence, and it's kind of adorable. Harry looks so relaxed! Oh yea, and according to People, the singer had a fabulous new nickname for Harry: the "Artist Formerly Known as Prince." Good lord, why didn't I think of that? It's amazing!

More about the event from People:

Bon Jovi, 57, led the Invictus Games Choir as they sung a version of his song, “Unbroken,” at the iconic recording home of The Beatles. And after watching the recording, Harry and Bon Jovi met members of the choir and competitors from previous Invictus Games who were invited to join the celebration.

And what's this?? On the Sussex Royal Instagram (new name pending, since they can't use the "royal" part after April 1), there's footage of Bon Jovi giving some sweet, funny counsel to the prince as they record in studio. We never actually get to hear Harry's singing voice, but I assume we will at some point, even if it's in the background.

Interestingly, Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, and none other than Prince William shared the stage in 2013 at Kensington Palace to sing a live version of "Livin' on a Prayer." So there's some royal precedent here for royals grabbing the mic and belting out a tune or two.

Here's the Sussex Royal post:

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)
A photo posted by on

And the earlier "text" conversation between the two teasing the collab:

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)
A photo posted by on

And the two chatting excitedly at the event:

Harry and @jonbonjovi chat on the steps of Abbey Road pic.twitter.com/IeBq0muPI2February 28, 2020

Harry with Bon Jovi. The media pack appear to have been excluded from the best shots so far though. pic.twitter.com/womdy221KAFebruary 28, 2020

Amazing. I cannot wait to hear the song (maybe Harry will get a solo!!).

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Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award.

Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.