Prince Harry on retirement from the royal house: "There was no other option"

For the first time since his decision to retire from the Royal House with his wife, Meghan Markle, the Prince responded to the storm in a speech he made during a charity event in London. "I want you to hear the truth from me, as Harry, and not as Prince or Duke"

Prince Harry on retirement from the royal house: "There was no other option"

In his first speech since Prince Harry, along with his partner Megan Mackerel, announced their retirement from the royal home, the Duke of Sussex said last night that no other option was left but to "step back."

At a London charity event, the prince said: "I can only imagine what you have heard or read in recent weeks," adding that he wanted those present to hear the truth directly from him. "I'm talking here as Harry, and not as a prince or a duke. The same Harry you watched growing up for 35 years, but with a clearer worldview."

In his speech he made it clear that the outcome of the move was not the one he was aiming for. "We hoped that we could continue to serve the Queen, the British Commonwealth and my uniformed friends, but without public funding. Unfortunately, this was not possible. I accepted that knowing it did not change who I was, or my commitments to the kingdom."

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Harry noted that the situation had brought a great deal of sadness to him, but he nevertheless expressed optimism and said that he would have an independent and quiet life. "I hope this helps you understand the situation in which I take a step back from everything I have known so far, in order to move on to a more peaceful life," the prince added.

On Saturday, Buckingham Palace announced that Harry and Merkel would no longer bear the royal title following their decision to reduce their royal duties. The couple will continue to hold their degrees as dukes, but they will no longer receive public funding for their activities and must repay funds received in favor of their home improvement.

The palace announcement said the two are expected to repay 2.4 million pounds of British taxpayer money for the same renovation of their private home, the Pogmore House, which will continue to serve as their residence in the UK.

Leaving with a clearer worldview. Prince Harry (Reuters)

Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace in London January 16, 2020 (Photo: Reuters)

"Harry, Megan and Archie will always be beloved family members," Queen Elizabeth said in a statement on their case that evening. "I am so proud that Megan has become such a quick family member and happy that together we have found an effective and supportive way we can move forward."