Nearly two weeks after Harry and Meghan’s announcement that they will be stepping down as senior members of the royal family, Prince Harry has spoken out about the situation at a charity dinner held yesterday that supports the mental health and wellbeing of children diagnosed with HIV.
“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 last 35 years but now with a clearer perspective.”
“The UK is my home and a place that I love – that will never change. I’ve 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, hurray!” he says.
He also mentions Meghan and the start of their journey together. “I also know 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. We both do everything we can to fly the flag and carry out our roles for this country with pride. Once Meghan and I were married, we were excited, we were hopeful, and we were here to serve,” the father of one continued.
“For those reasons, it brings me great sadness that it has come to this,” the new father admits. “The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly. 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. What I want to make clear is we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you.”
As a closing remark, Prince Harry shares his love for country, queen and family. “I will always have the utmost respect for my grandmother, my commander in chief, and I am incredibly grateful to her and the rest of my family, for the support they have shown Meghan and I over the last few months. 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. We are taking a leap of faith – thank you for giving me the courage to take this next step.”
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