PRINCE HARRY believes he and Meghan Markle had “no other option” than to step back from being a senior royal.
Speaking at an event for the first time since the Royal couple announced they would be standing down from their work with the Royal family, the Duke of Sussex admitted he was “taking a leap of faith” with the plans.
The couple will no longer use their HRH titles and will not receive public funds for royal duties.
They will also no longer formally represent the Queen and intend to repay £2.4m of taxpayer money for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage.
The property will remain their UK family home with the plans set to come into effect in spring this year.
During his speech at the reception for Sentebale, a charity he founded to continue Princess Diana's legacy in supporting those with HIV and Aids, the Duke explained that, in marrying Meghan he had found "the love and happiness that I had hoped for all my life".
However, in recent times he had become fearful that his wife would fall victim to “the same powerful forces” that contributed to his mother’s death.
Sentebale held an event on Sunday 19th January 2020, hosted by The Caring Foundation, to raise funds for Sentebale’s vital work supporting young people affected by HIV in southern Africa. pic.twitter.com/bxL2RqhiNS
— @Sentebale (@Sentebale) January 19, 2020
Though he admitted he was stepping back in search of a “more peaceful life” he insisted "the UK is my home and a place that I love, that will never change.”
He also stressed he would always "the utmost respect for my grandmother, my commander in chief".
"Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible," he added
"I've accepted this, knowing that it doesn't change who I am or how committed I am."
Despite Prince Harry insisted he and Meghan "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," he said.
