The long-debated narrative surrounding Prince Harry’s decision to step away from his royal duties has taken a new turn, with a real expert revealing that the desire to leave was ingrained in Harry long before Meghan Markle came into his life.
Sky News UK royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills shared this revelation on The royal exclusive spectacle of the sun. Reflecting on her experiences covering royals, Mills recalled a revealing moment during Prince Harry’s official trip to New Zealand in 2015.
“I said, ‘Have you ever thought about moving?’” Mills said. “And he said, ‘Yeah, I’d love to.’ I would love to get away. But I can’t because of what I have to do to support the Queen.’”
This candid admission has stayed with Mills over the years. “Every time someone tells me that it was Meghan’s fault that they left, that conversation always comes to mind because he always had that potential to jump.”
Mills further speculated about Meghan’s role in Harry’s eventual decision to leave the royal fold. “I think Meghan came and said, ‘Take my hand and we’ll jump together.'” he added.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back as senior royals in 2020 sparked intense scrutiny and debate. While critics have often singled out Meghan, Mills’ recollection suggests that Harry’s desire for a different life was long-standing, rooted in his personal struggles with royal life and his quest for independence.
Harry’s comments about New Zealand reflect a deeper conflict between his duty to the monarchy and his longing for freedom. His words, shared by Mills, reveal a prince torn between loyalty to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his own aspirations for a life beyond the limitations of royal protocol.
This idea adds a layer of nuance to the narrative surrounding Harry and Meghan’s departure, highlighting that the decision was likely the culmination of Harry’s long-standing wishes and Meghan’s encouragement to take the leap together.