In a recent interview from the war-torn fields of Ukraine, Prince Harry reaffirmed his enduring connection to the British royal family, even years after stepping away from his official duties. Speaking to ITV News on Friday, April 24, the Duke of Sussex, now 41, addressed questions about his status as a "not a working royal," responding firmly, "No, I will always be part of the royal family." Harry was in the country supporting the Halo Trust, a charity dedicated to clearing landmines and assisting conflict victims, an effort he described as aligning with his lifelong purpose.
Harry's visit to Ukraine underscores his continued commitment to humanitarian causes, a path he has pursued since relocating to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle. The couple, along with their children Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, reside in the upscale enclave of Montecito, California. During the ITV interview, Harry emphasized the personal fulfillment he derives from such work, stating, "I’m here [in Ukraine with the Halo Trust] working and doing the very thing that I was born to do." He added, "I enjoy it, and I enjoy doing it. I enjoy being able to do these trips and come and support the people that I’ve met before, the friends that I’ve made and, hopefully, bringing attention to issues that, for one reason or another, drop out of the news because something else has popped up."
The prince's comments come six years after he and Meghan announced their decision to step back from senior royal roles in January 2020. That move, which they framed as a quest for a more private and peaceful life, marked a significant shift from the traditions of the House of Windsor. Reflecting on the choice during a Sentabale fundraiser in January 2020, Harry had said, "The U.K. is my home and a place that I love. That will never change." He elaborated on the emotional weight of the decision, noting, "I’ve grown up feeling supported by so many of you and I’ve watched as you welcomed Meghan with open arms as you saw me find the love and happiness that I’d hoped for all my life."
Harry was clear at the time that the step back was not an abandonment of his roots or responsibilities. "The decision I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly," he told the audience. "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. What I want to make clear is, we’re not walking away." Despite these assurances, the transition strained family ties, particularly with his father, King Charles III, and older brother, Prince William.
The rift, which has played out publicly through interviews, memoirs, and media reports, deepened following Harry and Meghan's departure. In a candid 2023 interview with ITV, Harry expressed his longing for reconciliation, saying, "I want a family, not an institution. … They’ve shown absolutely no willingness to reconcile." He voiced a personal plea, adding, "I would like to get my father back. I would like to have my brother back." These sentiments highlighted the ongoing tensions, with palace sources reportedly indicating limited communication between the parties.
Recent developments, however, suggest glimmers of mending. Harry has made strides in rebuilding his relationship with King Charles, 77, especially amid the monarch's ongoing battle with cancer, diagnosed earlier in 2024. A brief visit by Harry to the United Kingdom in February 2024, following news of his father's illness, was described by some observers as a positive step, though details of their private conversations remain undisclosed. Buckingham Palace officials have not commented extensively on the matter, maintaining the family's tradition of discretion.
Throughout his time in Ukraine, Harry remained focused on the immediate humanitarian needs rather than dwelling on royal drama. He expressed gratitude to the ITV crew for amplifying voices from the region, stating, "I’m grateful that the ITV crew was here telling these stories that so desperately need to be told." The Halo Trust, which Harry has supported for over two decades, has been active in Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, working to demine agricultural lands and protect civilians from unexploded ordnance.
Harry's advocacy extends beyond landmine clearance to broader calls for global leadership. In the ITV interview, he remarked on shifting public attention, saying, "I understand focus will shift to different places, but ultimately, what I see, what I hear and what I learn is that the vast majority of people, whether you’re in the U.K. or whether you’re anywhere else in the world want to see proper leadership." He advocated for resolution in ongoing conflicts, adding, "They want to see an end to these conflicts, whether that’s through diplomacy [or] however we can bring these conflicts to an end for the sake of everybody now [and] also for the future of younger generations coming through."
The prince's presence in Ukraine also revives questions about his security arrangements, given the high-risk environment. As a non-working royal, Harry no longer receives the same level of publicly funded protection during overseas trips, relying instead on private security. Reports from earlier this year indicated that he had sought to restore his UK police protection, a request denied by the High Court in February 2024, with the judge ruling that the decision was lawful and rational.
Meghan, 44, has largely stayed out of the spotlight during Harry's Ukraine trip, focusing on her own projects, including her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and various entrepreneurial ventures. The couple's life in California has allowed them to build a family-oriented routine away from the scrutiny of the British press, though they continue to face tabloid interest. In 2020, shortly after their announcement, Harry had emphasized the desire for a "more peaceful life," a goal that has shaped their post-royal existence.
Looking back, the 2020 decision was preceded by years of reported challenges within the royal household, including media intrusions and institutional pressures. Harry's memoir, Spare, published in January 2023, detailed some of these struggles, drawing both criticism and sympathy. While the book strained relations further—Prince William reportedly felt betrayed by its revelations—Harry has since indicated a willingness to move forward, particularly in light of family health issues.
Analysts of the royal family note that Harry's identity as a member of the House of Windsor remains intact, regardless of his working status. Constitutional experts, such as those cited in British media, explain that stepping back does not sever one's place in the line of succession—Harry remains sixth in line to the throne after his brother and nephews. This legal reality aligns with his own assertions of perpetual belonging.
As King Charles navigates his health challenges and the monarchy adapts to a new era, Harry's comments from Ukraine offer a window into his evolving perspective. While reconciliation remains uncertain, his dedication to causes like the Halo Trust demonstrates a continuity of purpose rooted in his upbringing. The prince's words suggest that, despite the geographical and emotional distance, the pull of family and duty endures.
The broader implications of Harry's stance could influence public perceptions of the royals at a time when the institution faces scrutiny over relevance and modernity. With Prince William preparing for his future role as king and the younger generation of royals stepping into view, Harry's independent path highlights the diverse ways in which family members contribute to the monarchy's legacy. For now, his focus remains on the ground in Ukraine, where the Halo Trust's efforts continue to make tangible differences in lives affected by conflict.
ITV News plans to air the full interview as part of a special program, providing further insights into Harry's experiences. As the world grapples with multiple crises, from Ukraine to the Middle East, voices like Harry's calling for diplomatic solutions resonate amid calls for unity and leadership.