Prince Harry previously admitted that he wanted to renounce his royal title during a difficult time in his life. But this bold statement threatened the stability of the British monarchy.

Two years ago, the Duke of Sussex told royal expert Angela Levin that there was a time in life when he didn’t want to grow up. Meghan Markle’s husband also reached a point where he was very close to a total breakdown and he partied heavily.

“I felt I wanted out but then decided to stay in and work out a role for myself,” Prince Harry said.

On the podcast “Images of Diana,” journalist Natasha Kaplinsky asked if Prince Harry’s comment was a constitutional crisis on the horizon. But royal commentator Sarah Gristwood said that this wasn’t necessarily the case.

“No – That’s been a tiny bit misunderstood. I’m not at all sure he was wise to speak as he did. But the fact is the Royal Family – the Queen particularly – have always seen their role, and particularly the Sovereign’s job in terms of duty. That famous speech the Queen made – I declare my whole life shall be dedicated to your service… That’s how I see it,” she said.

Gristwood went on to say that Prince Harry committed a bit of a risk with his statement.

“I think probably that’s what he was getting at. But there is a bit of a risk there – because it does raise questions about the functions of the Royal Family and it does also slightly beg for people to turn round and say well, there may be penalties attached to their position, their job but there are a lot of privileges as well,” she said.

And royal photographer Arthur Edwards added that Prince Harry should have thought of all the possible risks before he said what he said. He said that if the Duke of Sussex thought about his grandmother and father and everything that they have done, he wouldn’t have said that.

All smiles: Prince Harry at the British High Commissioner's residency
All smiles: Prince Harry at the British High Commissioner's residency AFP / Michele Spatari
RELATED STORIES