Prince Harry finally breaks his silence on his decision to step down as a senior royal member, explaining that he felt that there was “no other option” but to leave his royal life behind in the best interest of protecting his family. Many empathize with the prince as his struggles remind them of what his mother, Princess Diana went through regarding the paparazzi.
Since Prince Harry and Markle’s announcement on January 8th, the prince has been taking each day in strides. The royal has already conquered the emergency meeting and has finalized his financial dealings with his grandmother. Even though Meghan Markle has been getting much of the negativity regarding their stepping down, Prince Harry seems to be happy to be along for the ride, embracing his new, commoner life. After a rough start to the New Year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided that it would be best for them to split their time between the United Kingdom and Canada, where they spent their Christmas alone with their son, Archie. The parents claimed that they would like to raise their son with an appreciation of their royal traditions but also a sense of normalcy which space would provide.
According to CNN, the Duke of Sussex had spoken out on Sunday evening in his first public statement since their agreement deal had been brokered with the royal family. During a charity event in London, Prince Harry acknowledged that the UK was his home and a place that he “loved.” Prince Harry said, “The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly.” He explained, “It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.”
During his moving speech, the prince said that nothing would ever change his love for his home country and making the drastic decision was not an easy one for his family. The royal went on to say that he and his wife were experiencing “great sadness” after learning that they will no longer be allowed the use of His or Her Royal Highness as well as no longer being able to represent the Queen as working members of the royal family. He revealed that he initially hoped that they could be financially independent while still serving the commonwealth, saying, “Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.” The royal said that he had accepted these terms knowing that none of it changed who he was ending his speech with a heartwarming sentiment that resonated in most when he said, “I hope that helps you understand what it had come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life."
Even though the prince had hoped he could continue to serve the Queen, the commonwealth, and his military accommodation without public funding it was decided that Prince Harry would not be allowed to continue with those endeavors. He will still be able to head The Invictus Games, of which he founded to help injured service personnel. The couple will also be paying back the British taxpayers for their £2.4 million renovations on their Windsor based home.
Next: Prince Harry’s Responds with Laughter to Questions About Stepping Down as Senior Royal
Source: CNN
