The Duke of Sussex was at a formal private dinner at the Ivy, in Chelsea, for vulnerable children’s charity Sentebale, where he gave an emotional speech:
“Good evening everyone and thank you very much for being here for Sentebale charity, that myself and Prince Seeiso created all the way back in 2006 to honour our mothers’ legacy in supporting those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Before I begin I must say that I can only imagine what you may have heard, or perhaps read, over the past few weeks. So I want you to hear the truth, from me, as much as I can share.
Not as a prince or a duke, but as Harry. The same person that many of you have heard grow up for the last 35 years, but now with a clearer perspective.
Finally, the second son of Diana got hitched… hurray! I also know that you’ve come to know me well enough over these past years to trust that the woman I chose as my wife upholds the same values as I do – and she does. And she is the same woman I fell in love with.
The UK is my home and a place that I love, that will never change. I’ve grown up feeling supported from so many of you and I watched as you welcomed Meghan with open arms as you saw me find the love and happiness that I’d hoped for all my life.
We both do everything we can to fly the flag and carry out our roles for this country with pride. Once Meghan and I were married, we were excited. We were hopeful and we were here to serve. For those reasons it brings me great sadness that it has come to this. The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks, after so many years of challenges, and I know I haven’t always gotten it right but as far as this goes there really was no other option.
