'It Was Destroying My Mental Health': Prince Harry Reveals 'Toxic' British Press Played A Role In Decision To Leave The U.K.
Prince Harry is opening up like never before. While appearing on pal James Corden's late night show, the father-of-one revealed that the scrutiny he and wife Meghan Markle received from the British press was one of the countless driving factors in their decision to leave the royal family and raise their 21-month-old son, Archie, outside the U.K.
"It was never walking away — it was stepping back, rather than stepping down," he said of the initial decision they made last March, which was dubbed "Megxit."
"It was a really difficult environment, as I think a lot of people saw. We all know what the British press can be like, and it was destroying my mental health," he confessed of trying to handle the constant attention. "So I did what any husband and father would do — I need to get my family out of here."
That being said, the red-headed prince insisted that he didn't intend to leave the royal family forever — he and the Suits actress just needed a break from the chaos.
"We never walked away. And as far as I'm concerned, whatever decisions are made on that side, I will never walk away," he stated. "I will always be contributing, but my life is public service, so wherever I am in the world, it's going to be the same thing."
Though Harry and Meghan were scheduled to sit down with Queen Elizabeth next month to discuss the possibility of having a hybrid lifestyle — which would involve living in both countries and pursing royal duties as well as career paths of their own — Buckingham Palace released a statement on February 19 that the pair "will not be returning as working members of the royal family."
“Following conversations with the duke, the queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the royal family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service," the note continued.
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A spokesperson for Harry responded by releasing a statement that said he and Meghan are "committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role. We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."
Harry's next interview will air on March 7, when he and Meghan — who are expecting baby number two — will chat with Oprah Winfrey about their struggles, their new life and the future.
