'No Other Option': Duke of Sussex Delivers Speech on Decision to Step Back From Royal Family
The Duke of Sussex gave a speech outlining the reasons for his and his wife Meghan Markle’s decision to step away from the British royal family.
In a speech at a charity event for Sentebale, in London on January 19, Prince Harry said, “It brings me great sadness that it has come to this. There really was no other option”.
“The media is a powerful force. I hope one day our collective support for one another can be more powerful”.
“Our hope was to continue serving but without public funding. Unfortunately that wasn’t possible,” he said, alluding to discussions the couple had with the royal family.
Prince Harry said he looked forward to a “more peaceful life”.
In a post to Instagram in early January, the duke and duchess announced they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family and would work to become financially independent.
Commenting on the decision, Queen Elizabeth II said in a statement: “Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.” Credit: @sussexroyal via Storyful
