Harry Beale was born to Albert and Louise Beale in 1936, their first legitimate child. He lived with his mother until his twenties, when he moved to York in Yorkshire, and took a job in a hotel. He was quickly promoted to hotel manager, but struggled to find a girlfriend. He eventually became an alcoholic, and would turn up to his mother's house in Albert Square, Walford drunk and unruly. He eventually lost contact with Lou, after his drunken visits got worse. He sends flowers to his family's weddings and funerals.