Prince Harry has for the first time spoken about his decision to take a step back as senior member of the royal family as well as his wife Meghan Markle. The Duke addressed the issue when he took to the podium at the fundraiser for Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006 which helps children living with HIV in Southern Africa.
“Before I begin, I must say that I can only imagine what you may have heard, or perhaps read, over the past few weeks. So, 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 past 35 years, but now with a clearer perspective,” he began his speech.
“The U.K. is my home and a place that I love. That will never change. I have grown up feeling supported from so many of you, and I watched as you welcomed Meghan with open arms, as you saw me find the love and happiness that I had hoped for all my life. Finally, the second son of Diana got hitched, hooray!” he said to laughter from the crowd. “I also know that you’ve come to know me well enough over all these years to trust that the woman I chose as my wife upholds the same values as I do, and she does. And she’s the same woman I fell in love with.”
Following their announcement, Buckingham Palace on Saturday, January 18, made an official statement saying the Duke and Duchess are stripped off from using the title ‘Royal Highness’ and would not receive public funds for their projects. In the course of the Duke’s speech, he also addressed the decision made by the palace.
“Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations, but without public funding,” Prince Harry said. “Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. I’ve accepted this, knowing it doesn’t change who I am or how committed I am. But 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,” he said.
Queen Elizabeth II is however not opposed to the couple’s decision to take a step back. She has already made it clear in a statement that she supports their decision and hopes they start building a happy and peaceful new life.
