Prince Harry gives emotional speech about parting ways with the Royal Family

In a candid speech at a private dinner for Sentebale supporters in London on Sunday night, Prince Harry spoke candidly about his decision to retire from working with Meghan Markle. (Open in new tab) "I can only imagine what you have heard or read over the past few weeks. Not as a duke or prince, but as Harry, perhaps the same man many of you have watched grow up over the last 35 years, but now with a clearer perspective and as much truth as I can share, I want you to hear from me." [England is my home and my favorite place. That will never change. I grew up feeling supported by so many of you, and I have watched as you welcomed Princess Meghan with open arms and found the love and happiness I have wished for all my life," he continued. 'Finally, Diana's second son is married. I also know that you have gotten to know me well enough over the years to trust that the woman I have chosen as my wife shares the same values as I do. She does. And she is the same woman I fell in love with. We both proudly fly the flag and do our best to do our part for this country."

Harry continued: "Once Megan and I got married, we were excited. We were hopeful and here to serve," he added.

"For those reasons, it is with great sadness that this has come to pass. The decision for my wife and I to step aside was not made lightly. It was something we discussed for many months after years of trying, and I know it was not always the right thing to do, but we really had no other choice in this regard. I want to be clear: we are not running away."

Video of the speech is here:

Harry continued: "Our hope was to continue to serve the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my Legion, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that was not possible. But unfortunately it was not possible. But I hope you understand that it was for this reason that I had to pull my family back from everything I had ever known and take a step forward in the hope of a more peaceful life.

"I was born for this life and it is a great honor to serve my country and my queen, and when I lost my mother 23 years ago, you stood up for me, and I am grateful that you did. But the media is a powerful force. I hope that one day our collective support will be more powerful. [13] [14] "It was an honor to serve you all and I will continue to live a life of service. It was also an honor to meet so many of you and to feel your excitement for my son Archie, who recently saw snow for the first time and felt its bloody splendor.

"I will always have the utmost respect for my grandmother as Commander in Chief, and I am incredibly grateful to her and the rest of my family for their support of Princess Meghan and me over the past few months. I will continue to be a man who cares about my country and dedicates his life to supporting causes, charities, and military communities that are very important to me.

"Together, you have given me an education in life. And this role has taught me more about what is right and just than I could have ever imagined. Thank you for giving me the courage to take the next step. [19] [20] "So, welcome to Richard's Garden. First, in honor of Johnny's words earlier, I would like to especially thank Patricia and Richard and all those involved in making tonight so special and successful. While Lewis was certainly a draw, I am sure that you will all leave tonight with a greater understanding of what we are trying to accomplish here at St. Vail.

"My first visit to Lesotho was many years ago, in 2004, guided by my dear friend Prince Siso (who unfortunately cannot be with us this evening). [I was struck by the hardships and difficulties faced by so many children, and with the support of our local partners, we founded Sentebale two years later; the word Sentebale means "remember me" in Sesotho and is a memory of Prince Siso's mother and my own.

"From the beginning, we developed a series of programs and established mamahat centers built with the purpose of helping generations of children to break the stigma that has allowed the spread of HIV. Half of these children had lost one or both parents to the virus. But today, through a network of clubs, camps, and programs spread across both Lesotho and Botswana, we are helping children and young people learn that it is possible to be HIV positive and still lead a happy and productive life"

. [that the real enemy we are fighting against is stigma and outdated attitudes that work against young people who come forward to be tested for HIV.

"This is relevant to all parts of the world today, including here in the UK where there are an estimated 110,000 people infected with HIV. I cannot fail to mention my dear friend Gareth Thomas here. He has literally changed the way people think about HIV. By being here tonight, each and every one of you is helping children and young people who will be the generation that will fight stigma and eliminate HIV infection. My work and commitment to this charity, which I founded 14 years ago, will never wane. [whether here in London, Lesotho, or Botswana. I, and all of Sentebale, whether here in London, Lesotho, or Botswana, will continue to work to make a long-lasting and real impact for all vulnerable people."

"There is much work to be done, but it is only possible by working with you and receiving support from people like you. Luis, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us this evening. We appreciate it very much."

His remarks came a day after the Queen released an official statement (open in new tab) outlining the parameters of Harry and Meghan's future. They include: not receiving any public funds; not using the HRH title; not being considered active royalty; and repaying the tax money used to renovate Frogmore Cottage.

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