Prince Harry Opens Up About Megxit
Now that the world has had some time to adjust to the fact that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are stepping back from their duties as senior royals (a move that has been dubbed "Megxit"), Harry is opening up more about the shocking news. At a private dinner for his charity, Sentebale, on January 19, Prince Harry spoke about the royal exit agreement decided upon with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, and what it means for the future of the royal family.
Prince Harry said that, no matter what, he will always consider the UK home. "I want you to hear the truth from me, as much as I can share — not as a Prince, or a Duke, but as Harry, the same person that many of you have watched grow up over the last 35 years — but with a clearer perspective," he said (via E! News). "The UK is my home and a place that I love. That will never change."
This backs up what Prince Harry said when he first announced that he and Markle would stepping away from their royal duties. In their original announcement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said they planned to "balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages."
Prince Harry took full credit for Megxit
While many have assumed the decision was made by Meghan Markle, in large part because of how she has been treated by the press since becoming publicly involved with Prince Harry, Harry said the decision to step back from the royal family was his. "The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly," he said. "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."
Prince Harry revealed that, while he originally wanted to "continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations, but without public funding," doing this "wasn't possible."
He added, "I've accepted this, knowing that it doesn't change who I am or how committed I am. But I hope that helps you understand what it had to 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."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to continue leading 'a life of service'
Even though they're stepping back from royal life, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will still be in the public eye and want to continue doing good in the world.
"It has been our privilege to serve you, and we will continue to lead a life of service," said Prince Harry. "I will continue to be the same man who holds his country dear and dedicates his life to supporting the causes, charities and military communities that are so important to me. Together, you have given me an education about living. And this role has taught me more about what is right and just than I could have ever imagined."