The few originally stepped back from their ranks in January 2020 before moving to California with their son, Archie, 21 months. Just over one year later, Buckingham Palace affirmed on February 19 that the duo would”not be returning as working members of their royal family” and must surrender their patronages and other honors.
During a frank interview on The Late Late Show With James Corden, Harry, 36, gave some insight to the reason behind his shocking departure.
“It was not walking away, it had been stepping back rather than stepping down,” the former military pilot clarified on Thursday, February 25. “It was a really tough environment like I think a lot of people saw. We all understand what the British media could be like. It was ruining my psychological health.”
Harry saw how”toxic” the treatment of his wife, 39, and household had become and made a choice to safeguard them at whatever price. “I did exactly what any husband and what any father would do which is [say],’I want to get my family out of this,’ but we never walked away,” he added. “As far as I am concerned, whatever choices are made on that side, I will never walk away.”
Created their official announcement addressing the couple’s exit, Queen Elizabeth II noted,”While we’re saddened by their own decision, the duke and duchess remain much-loved members of their household.” Harry and Meghan, for their part, insisted that they will”remain committed to their service and duty to the U.K. and around the world” and that “support is worldwide.”
While vacationing Los Angeles with James Corden, Harry reiterated his intention to be a beacon of positive change, regardless of his status within the royal family.
“I have no idea [what life looks like today ],” he explained. “it is a slightly different version but a continuation of what we were doing back in the U.K. anyway. … My own life is always going to be more about public service and Meghan signed up to this.”
Five times before news of the permanent departure made headlines, the group announced that they are expecting baby No. 2 following the Suits alum’s July 2020 miscarriage. As they look forward into the future, a source informed Us Weekly exclusively that Harry and Meghan”finally feel free.” The queen, however, wished they’d reached a compromise.
“The queen was hoping that they’d return, but there is not much she could do about it accepts their decision,” a separate literary told Us. “After prolonged discussions with all the palace, Harry and Meghan have ceased being royals once and for all. It was their decision to leave.”
