Royal Expert Reveals Prince Harry’s Exit Plan Was in Motion Long Before Meghan Markle
The long-debated narrative surrounding Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties has taken a new turn, with a royal expert revealing that the desire to leave was rooted in Harry long before Meghan Markle entered his life.
Sky News UK’s royal correspondent, Rhiannon Mills, shared this revelation on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive Show. Reflecting on her experiences covering the royals, Mills recalled a telling moment during Prince Harry’s 2015 official trip to New Zealand.
“I said to him, ‘Have you ever thought about moving away?’” Mills recounted. “And he was like, ‘Yes, I’d love to. I’d love to move away. But I can’t because of what I need to do to support the Queen.’”
This candid admission has stayed with Mills over the years. “Whenever anyone says to me that it was Meghan’s fault they left, that conversation always springs to mind because he always had it in him – this potential to jump.”
Mills further speculated on Meghan’s role in Harry’s eventual decision to leave the royal fold. “I think Meghan came along and said, ‘Hold my hand and we’ll jump together,’” she added.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back as senior royals in 2020 sparked intense scrutiny and debate. While critics have often pointed fingers at Meghan, Mills’ recollection suggests that Harry’s desire for a different life was longstanding, rooted in his personal struggles with royal life and his quest for independence.
Harry’s New Zealand comments reflect a deeper conflict between his duty to the monarchy and his yearning for freedom. His words, as shared by Mills, reveal a prince torn between loyalty to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his own aspirations for a life beyond the constraints of royal protocol.
This insight adds a nuanced layer to the narrative surrounding Harry and Meghan’s departure, highlighting that the decision was likely a culmination of Harry’s long-held desires and Meghan’s encouragement to take the leap together.