Prince Harry is speaking up and out about the joint decision he and wife Meghan Markle made to “step back” as Senior Royals.

His words come a day after The Queen voiced public support for the couple, but also on the heels of Buckingham Palace revealing that their chosen path means they will no longer be referred to as Royal Highness’ – among other major changes.

Head below to find out what he had to say….

Speaking at his Sentebale charity event in London, the 35-year-old said:

“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.”

He went on to add:

“The UK is my home and a place that I love. That will never change.

 [Meghan and I] 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. What I want to make clear is we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you. 

[The hope was to] continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations. Unfortunately, [without public funding] that was not possible.”

He concluded:

“I have grown up feeling support 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 had hoped for all my life. Finally, the second son of Diana got hitched, hurray! When I lost my mum 23 years ago, you took me under your wing. You’ve looked out for me for so long, but the media is a powerful force, and my hope is one day our collective support for each other can be more powerful because this is so much bigger than just us.”

Well spoken.

UPDATE: Video has now surfaced

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