Prince Harry’s past remarks about Prince William being “trapped” in the Royal Family have resurfaced amid reports of his UK return. The Duke of Sussex previously claimed that both his father, King Charles, and his brother, William, were “trapped” in the “toxic” royal life.
At the time, Harry cited his decision to move to the U.S. with Meghan Markle as a choice he believed was better for his wife and children.
Prince Harry’s comment on his brother Prince William resurfaces amid UK return
Prince Harry’s past comments about Prince William have resurfaced amid reports that the Duke of Sussex is planning to move back to the UK. Harry previously claimed that both his father, King Charles, and his older brother, William, were “trapped” in the “toxic” Royal Family life.
Harry, however, said he was grateful to have escaped that environment. The Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020 before relocating to the U.S., where they began building a new life away from the monarchy (via The Mirror).
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex discussed their decision to step back from royal duties during their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Harry opened up about feeling confined by royal life, saying: “I was trapped, but I didn’t know I was trapped,” he said.
He added, “Trapped within the system like the rest of the family. My father [King Charles III] and my brother [Prince William] are trapped. They don’t get to leave, and I have huge compassion for that.”
The admission appeared to surprise Winfrey, who asked Harry whether William wanted to leave the Royal Family as well. The Duke of Sussex simply replied: “I don’t know. I can’t speak for him.”
Winfrey also questioned why King Charles had tolerated what Harry described as a toxic environment. Harry responded: “He’s had to make peace with it.” The Duke of Sussex went on to describe the royal palace as a “trapping environment,” adding that he felt he had no one to share his experience with.
In another interview, Harry also claimed that his late mother, Princess Diana, had always wanted him to raise his children in the United States. Speaking at the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit, he said: “I feel as though it’s the life that my mom wanted for me.”
