Ed Sheeran has decisively addressed rumors about his supposed friendship with Prince Harry.
The "Shape of You" singer, often mistaken for the royal due to their shared red hair, has been seen at the same events as Harry but remains tight-lipped about the relationship. In a playful response during a 2021 interview after visiting Harry's London residence, Ed humorously remarked, "It's like looking in a mirror," prompting mock indignation from Harry.
The two first met back in 2011. There was widespread speculation that Ed might perform at Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement party in 2017. While he dismissed the idea of being the headline act, he didn't entirely rule out the possibility.
According to reports from The Mirror and Entertainment Tonight, Ed clarified his connections to the royal family, stating, "I get asked this all the time like I know the royal family. I've met Harry once, and that was in 2011 at his Grand's Jubilee, and it was like, 'Hey.' I barely know him." Ed's royal associations don't end there; in 2017, he was honored with an MBE by Prince Charles on behalf of Queen Elizabeth.
Recently, news emerged that Ed is taking a break from his music career to focus on a new initiative for young people. At 33 years old, Ed is dedicated to increasing funding for music lessons for children and is advocating for schools nationwide to expand their music programs. He shared his vision for the initiative, saying, "I started doing that in the country I'm from, and we've just now changed to doing it nationwide. I'm now visiting more high schools that really need music funding, and you can see what a difference it makes. I'm not an academic person; in the real world, I'd be viewed as stupid, but I excelled at music and therefore people think I'm good at something. I found it massively helpful to be at a state-funded school that really encouraged that. They've basically cut funding for that in England, so I'm doing what I can to get funding for it."
In a generous gesture, Ed donated a seven-figure sum to his alma mater, Thomas Mills High School in Suffolk, responding to a plea from his former teacher who highlighted impending funding cuts six years ago. His donation, exceeding a million pounds, was aimed at fostering musical education for young people and came to light in 2022.
Ed's comments about his limited interaction with Prince Harry echo similar sentiments expressed by other public figures regarding Meghan Markle. He stated, "I've met Harry once, and that was in 2011 at his Grand's Jubilee, and it was like, 'Hey.' I barely know him." This outright denial of any close relationship suggests a distant acquaintance at best. It's a complete denial of friendship or relationship, not even an acquaintanceship; it's more akin to two ships passing in the night. Much like most of the guests Meghan invited to her wedding, people she barely knew or had never met have since distanced themselves.
The only notable similarity between Ed Sheeran and Prince Harry is their red hair. Ed doesn't share other physical characteristics with Harry, such as a receding hairline or frequent stern expressions. Instead, Ed is known for his full head of hair, generous smile, and considerable musical talent. The resemblance between them is limited to their ginger hair and nothing more. Ed Sheeran has addressed and dismissed rumors about a close friendship with Prince Harry. Despite their similar looks, their connection is minimal, stemming from a single brief meeting in 2011. Ed's primary focus remains on his music and philanthropic efforts to support music education for children, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the entertainment industry.
