It was clear that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wanted to live a more private life away from the royal family when they left the UK in 2020.
Harry has stated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will remain in California for the foreseeable future, suggesting that they will not be returning to the UK anytime soon.
Harry spoke about his conflict with the tabloids, particularly the lawsuit against The Mirror Group Newspapers over phone hacking and their treatment of his wife Meghan, in the ITV documentary Tabloids On Trial.
Harry claimed on the show that he would ‘not bring his wife back to this nation’ due to ‘genuine anxieties’ caused by the media frenzy.
“It only takes one actor to read these things and act on what he’s read,” he said.
And that’s a big concern for me, no matter if it’s a knife or acid. It is one of the reasons why I am not returning to this country with my wife.
Harry has already openly expressed his concerns for the safety of his wife and children.
The Duke sued Britain’s Home Office at the High Court earlier this year following their decision in 2020 that he should receive a higher level of taxpayer-funded security once he and his wife step back from royal duties.
Harry has said he intends to appeal and continue his legal battle, even though he lost the court case earlier this year.
“It is with great sadness for both of us that my wife and I feel compelled to step down from this role and leave the country in 2020,” Harry wrote in a written statement during a previous hearing. I live in the UK.
“My children’s heritage is deeply rooted in the United Kingdom and I want them to feel as at home there as they do in the United States.”
“If it’s not possible to keep them safe on British soil, then it can’t happen. Given my past experience, I’m hesitant to put myself at risk and I can’t put my wife in that kind of danger.”
Harry also admitted in the documentary that he had a “rift” with his family as a result of his crusade against the tabloids.
“To what extent do you think your determination to fight the tabloids has destroyed your relationship with your family?” host Becca Barry asked during the feature-length program.
Harry replied, “It’s definitely an important element.
This is a difficult question to answer because the media is constantly criticizing everything I say about my family.
“I clearly stated that this is a necessary measure.
“I think as civil servants we should work for the greater good, so it would be great if we could do that as a family.
“I do it for my own reasons.
“The mission remains for me,” he added.
But it partially created a crack.
In conclusion, Prince Harry’s decision to keep Meghan Markle and their children out of the UK is deeply influenced by his concerns for their safety and relentless media scrutiny. The couple’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 was not just a desire for privacy, but also a response to the intense pressure and threats they faced from the press. Harry’s comments in the ITV documentary *Tabloids On Trial* shed light on his real fears and explain how the negative portrayal of his family, particularly Meghan, in the media has increased his anxiety. He has been vocal about his concerns for Meghan’s safety, citing genuine fears of physical harm as a driving factor behind his decision not to return to the UK.
In addition, the Duke’s ongoing legal battles over security measures reflect his determination to protect his family. That the British court refused to grant him the required level of taxpayer-funded security only strengthened his determination to continue his quest for justice.
Harry’s recent comments further highlight his reluctance to put his loved ones at risk, even if it means an extended separation from his native country. The emotional toll of balancing his role as a public figure and his personal convictions also affected his relationship with the royal family. The rift between Harry and his family, exacerbated by his outspoken attitude towards the tabloids, continues to complicate his connection to his heritage.
Ultimately, Harry’s decision is rooted in a desire to protect the well-being of his family, even if it means staying out of the UK for the time being. While the situation is filled with sadness and frustration, Harry remains resolute in his mission to protect his wife and children from the harmful influence of the media, highlighting the difficult personal and public challenges he continues to face.