Prince Harry Says He Feels "Really Let Down" by His Father

From Oprah Magazine

During their two-hour interview with Oprah, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opened up about their decision to "step back" from their positions as senior royals in January 2020.

According to Harry, their decision came after they faced a lack of support both from the media and from the royal family. "I took matters into my own hands," Harry said, classifying his mindset as "desperate."

Harry pointed out that "nobody from [his] family ever said anything" in support of his wife as she faced severe media scrutiny. Within this environment, Markle experienced suicidal ideation. She told Oprah that she "didn't want to live anymore."

The couple's original intention was to move to a commonwealth nation and retain their royal titles, but not in a senior capacity. Ultimately, they were cut off financially from the royal family and their official security was removed. The couple moved to Los Angeles. "The Netflix and the Spotify of it all weren't part of the plan," Harry said. Harry revealed that they are living off money that his mother, Princess Diana, left him.

Harry confirmed that he didn't "blindside" the queen, as was rumored when news broke in 2020. "I would never do that to my grandmother. I have too much respect for her," he said. "My grandmother had been welcoming throughout."

Harry said he had multiple conversations with family members—and then, his father, Prince Charles, "stopped taking [his] calls." While Harry said that they are speaking again, their relationship has not healed. "I feel really let down. He's been through something similar. He knows what pain feels like. I will always love him but there's a lot of hurt that's happened," he said.

Markle quelled rumors that the step back was her decision. "Can you imagine how little sense that makes? I left my career, my life, I left everything because I love him. Our plan was to do this forever. I wrote letters to my family saying I was dedicated to this—I'm here for you, use me as you like," she said. She described learning British customs behind the scenes "just to make them proud."

Harry told Oprah that his relationship with Meghan, and living in the world "in her shoes," helped liberate him. "I was trapped but I didn't know that I was trapped," Harry said. "I was trapped within the system like the rest of my family are. My father and my brother, they are trapped. They don't get to leave. I have huge compassion for that."

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