Prince Harry fans voice support after he expresses 'great sadness': 'Your mother is very proud'

Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY

Prince Harry is receiving support from around the world after expressing "great sadness" over his and Duchess Meghan's decision to step back from their royal duties.

In his first speech since making their bombshell announcement, Harry told attendees at an event Sunday for his charity Sentebale that he wanted them to "hear the truth from me, as much as I can share."

"The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly," Harry said in London. "It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven't always gone at it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. What I want to make clear is we're not walking away. And we certainly aren't walking away from you."

More: Prince Harry says he feels 'great sadness' over stepping back in first speech since decision

Harry's decision prompted sympathy from royal supporters worldwide.

"I think the world is their oyster," "The Crown" actress Helena Bonham Carter said on the red carpet Sunday at the SAG Awards in Los Angeles. "It'll be very interesting to see what they do, but now they're masters of their own destiny. Good luck to them."

Prince Harry expressed "great sadness" over his and Duchess Meghan's decision to step back from their royal duties in his first speech since making their bombshell announcement.
Prince Harry expressed "great sadness" over his and Duchess Meghan's decision to step back from their royal duties in his first speech since making their bombshell announcement.

Harry gave his message at a charity he co-founded in 2006 to honor Princess Diana's support for those affected by HIV and AIDS, and many fans speculated how his mother would react.

"What an incredible speech!" user @bellaparadaa commented on the Sussex's official Instagram account. "Your mother is very proud of you in heaven, Harry!"

User @cconte78 said his words "brought tears to my eyes. Harry you finally found happiness with your lovely wife and beautiful son. Fight for it, your mother would be proud of you. We love you Harry."

User @kateshortermakeup added: "I respect Harry and Meghan it must have been a very difficult and taken an enormous amount of courage to make this decision. I wish them well in their future. Everyone deserves to make their own way."

On Twitter, user @Frisblee called Harry's words "so sweet and heart warming. Hope you have a lovely life and journey with your family, after all this chaos."

User @calliopeindigo tweeted, "So much love and respect to this man and genuine hope that he finds his peace."

Contributing: Hannah Yasharoff

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Prince Harry receives support after expressing 'great sadness'