Prince Harry gave a blunt response when questioned about his and Meghan Markle‘s decision to retain their royal titles, despite stepping down as senior working royals in 2020. In a candid interview with Anderson Cooper, promoting his memoir Spare, Harry addressed the persistent public scrutiny surrounding their continued use of the Sussex title.
When asked directly why he and Meghan hadn’t relinquished their titles, Harry shot back, “And what difference would that make?” His pointed reply underscored the growing distance between the couple and the British monarchy, fueling ongoing debates among royal watchers and experts alike.
During the interview, Cooper also probed Harry on the couple’s decision to publicly reveal personal conversations with his father, King Charles III, and brother, Prince William. “One of the criticisms you’ve faced is that if you wanted to move to California and step back from the institution, why go public with such revelations?” Cooper asked, reported CBS.
Harry responded firmly, “Every single time I’ve tried to do it privately, there have been briefings, leakings, and planting of stories against me and my wife. The family motto is ‘never complain, never explain,’ but it’s just a motto. It doesn’t really hold.”
When asked directly why he and Meghan hadn’t relinquished their titles, Harry shot back, “And what difference would that make?” His pointed reply underscored the growing distance between the couple and the British monarchy, fueling ongoing debates among royal watchers and experts alike.
During the interview, Cooper also probed Harry on the couple’s decision to publicly reveal personal conversations with his father, King Charles III, and brother, Prince William. “One of the criticisms you’ve faced is that if you wanted to move to California and step back from the institution, why go public with such revelations?” Cooper asked, reported CBS.
Harry responded firmly, “Every single time I’ve tried to do it privately, there have been briefings, leakings, and planting of stories against me and my wife. The family motto is ‘never complain, never explain,’ but it’s just a motto. It doesn’t really hold.”
Though Harry remains fifth in line to the throne, and his children sixth and seventh, he no longer holds the HRH (His Royal Highness) status and relinquished his military titles after stepping back from royal duties.
Today marks the second anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing—a day likely spent away from the Royal Family, with ongoing tensions still dividing Harry from his father and brother. According to Paul Burrell, a former royal aide, reconciliation may not be on the horizon. “I think the Royal Family have pulled the drawbridge up,” Burrell remarked, highlighting the family’s growing sense of hurt over Harry’s continued revelations.