Former British Prime Minister Urged Prince Harry to Stay in the UK, New Memoir Reveals

Photo : AP

In his recently released memoir, Unleashed, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recounts an effort to persuade Prince Harry to remain a working royal during a pivotal moment in January 2020. This conversation took place on the sidelines of a UK-Africa investment summit, just as Harry and Meghan Markle were preparing to step back from their royal duties.

Johnson describes being tasked with giving Harry a “manly pep talk,” aiming to dissuade him from his decision. At the time, Harry was reportedly resolute about his choice, which he later articulated in a heartfelt speech for his charity, Sentebale. “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,” Harry said, underscoring the emotional weight of his decision.

A close friend of the Duke of Sussex shared insights into the private conversation, noting that it was a one-on-one discussion without aides. “It was a man-to-man conversation. They were totally alone. But Harry wasn’t for turning — he was unpersuadable by that point,” the friend explained. Johnson, reflecting on the encounter, described it as a “totally hopeless” mission, admitting that he found it challenging to sway Harry's mindset. He humorously noted the absurdity of being called upon to convince Harry to stay, likening the effort to his own struggles during the Brexit negotiations.

The UK-Africa summit meeting lasted around 20 minutes and was not widely reported at the time. It has since come to light that Johnson praised Harry as a valuable asset to “UK plc,” emphasizing the potential benefits of his continued royal engagement. However, it was evident that Harry had mentally prepared himself to leave his royal obligations behind.

Johnson's memoir suggests he was acting on behalf of both Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street in this endeavor, but ultimately, his efforts were in vain. He reflected on the irony that while he managed to lead the UK through a significant political shift by exiting the EU, he could not convince Prince Harry to remain in the royal fold.

As the revelations from Johnson’s memoir unfold, they offer a glimpse into the pressures faced by the younger royals and the complexities of navigating their roles in a modern context. Harry’s decision to step back marked a significant turning point for the British royal family, highlighting the challenges of balancing personal happiness with public duty.

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