Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stated that they have no plans to move back to Britain with their family. The Duke of Sussex expressed his enjoyment of living in the US with Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, stating that he feels an American life is what his mother, Princess Diana, would have wanted for him. Harry mentioned that living in the US provides them with a level of privacy and allows them to take part in activities they wouldn’t be able to do in the UK due to security concerns. He also spoke about feeling trapped within the bubble of the public eye and the royal family, which impacted his mental health. Currently, he is focusing on being the best husband and father that he can be.
During The New York Times Dealbook Summit, Harry opened up about feeling helpless and trapped within the royal bubble. He expressed his concerns about what happened to his mother, Princess Diana, and the possibility of it happening to his wife or children. This vulnerability stemmed from the tragic events surrounding Princess Diana’s death in 1997 as paparazzi chased her through Paris. Meghan, on the other hand, attended a separate event honoring actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry in Los Angeles on the same night. The couple seems to be enjoying their life in the US and the privacy it offers.
Harry has faced legal battles regarding the level of taxpayer-funded protection he receives when in the UK. After the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) decided to provide a different degree of protection in February 2020, Harry took legal action against the Home Office. Despite fighting for the restoration of his security detail in court proceedings, the High Court ultimately rejected his case in February. Retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane concluded that Ravec’s approach was not irrational nor procedurally unfair. Although Harry’s initial bid to bring an appeal was refused, he can now take his case directly to the Court of Appeal.
The couple’s decision to stay in the US reflects their desire for privacy and a sense of freedom that they feel is lacking in the UK. Harry’s experiences within the royal family and the constant public scrutiny have impacted his mental health, leading him to prioritize his role as a husband and a father. The family’s move to the US has allowed them to engage in activities and lead a lifestyle that they wouldn’t be able to in the UK due to security concerns. Despite the legal battles and challenges they have faced, Harry and Meghan seem content with their life in America.
The Duke of Sussex’s vulnerability and openness about his mental health struggles shed light on the ongoing impact of his mother’s tragic death on his life. Harry’s concerns about history repeating itself with his own family reflect a deep-seated fear and trauma that he carries. This vulnerability and fear have shaped his decision to prioritize his family and seek a life away from the constant public scrutiny and the restrictions of royal life. Meghan’s presence and support have also been an essential part of their journey as a couple and as parents, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with their unique position and experiences.
Overall, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to remain in the US and prioritize their family’s well-being reflects their desire for a sense of freedom and privacy that they feel is lacking in the UK. Despite facing legal battles and challenges, the couple seems content with their life in America and the opportunities it provides them. Harry’s vulnerability and openness about his mental health struggles and fears highlight the ongoing impact of his mother’s death on his life and his choices. The couple’s focus on being the best parents and spouses they can be underscores their commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for their children in the face of ongoing public scrutiny.
