At the weekend The Queen and Buckingham Palace both released statements shedding more light on what the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ future will look like.
From dropping their HRH styling, stepping back from all royal duties and no longer receiving public funding, their new life is set to look incredibly different, but while critics have blasted Duchess Meghan for being the catalyst of the royal family’s split, it’s been no secret that the 35-year-old has always had a troubled relationship with his role in the monarchy.
As Harry jets off to Canada to be reunited with Meghan and Archie, it’s been revealed by the Daily Mail‘s royal reporter Rebecca English – who details her interactions with Harry over the past 15 years – that he explicitly talked about his desire to walk away from it all, often expressing his desire to move to Africa, and his wish to become a tour guide.
“Until he settled down with Meghan, his biggest wish was to go off and live in Africa,” Rebecca writes.
“‘I would love to just go and work as a tour guide, you know? Just go off into the bush and be me,’ he would say.”
Prince Harry has never been quiet about his desire to step away from royal life and move to Africa. (Image: Getty)
While a few years ago many would have scoffed at the idea, now, it doesn’t sound as ridiculous, as the world still recovers from the news he and his family are stepping back from the royal family and will be working towards financial independence.
But despite his obvious reservation over the years about his life in the spotlight, Prince Harry stresses the choice to step away has by no means been an easy one.
In a speech at a private fundraiser for his charity Sentebale on Sunday (UK time) Prince Harry broke his silence over his and Meghan’s exit from royal life saying “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 option.”
While Harry admits it hasn’t shaped out exactly how he had envisioned, with his hope that he and Meghan could still serve the Queen, Commonwealth and his military associations, he emphasises that it doesn’t change who he is or how committed he is.
“It has been a privilege to serve you,” he added, “and we will continue to lead a life of service.
“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.”
Adding, “We are taking a leap of faith – thank you for giving me the courage to take this next step.”
Prince Harry stresses the choice to step away has by no means been an easy one. (Image: Getty)
In what is thought to be his final engagement as a working royal, Prince Harry attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit hosted by the UK Government on Monday where he met with leaders from Malawi, Mozambique and Morocco to talk about investment in renewable energy, jobs, tourism and environmental issues.
Considering his love for the continent the engagement is no doubt a fitting, yet bittersweet way to conclude this chapter of his life.
He has now reportedly left the UK to fly to Canada where he’ll no doubt be looking forward to being reunited with Meghan and eight-month-old Archie.
