Ariana Longson
Updated on: October 15, 2024 6:34 pm GMT
The revelation that Boris Johnson attempted to persuade Prince Harry to remain a part of the Royal Family has sparked renewed interest in the ongoing saga of the Sussexes’ departure from royal duties. In his upcoming memoir, Johnson describes a surreal meeting with Prince Harry back in January 2020, where he was supposedly asked to deliver a “manly pep talk” to the Duke of Sussex. However, Buckingham Palace has denied any formal request for such an intervention.
The Context of the Meeting
The informal conversation took place during a UK-Africa investment summit in London. According to Johnson, officials from both Buckingham Palace and Downing Street thought that he could convince Harry not to step back from royal duties, a move that became known as “Megxit.”
- The meeting lasted about 20 minutes.
- Johnson described the situation as “ridiculous,” saying the effort was “totally hopeless.”
- Hours before the meeting, Prince Harry expressed his sadness about leaving the UK in a heartfelt speech, stating he had “no other option.”
The Sussexes had announced their intention to step back as senior members of the Royal Family just days earlier, on January 8, 2020. They made this decision to pursue a new life in North America, launching projects including a Netflix series and the Archewell foundation.
What Johnson Wrote
In Johnson’s memoir, titled Unleashed, he shares his perspective on the complexities of the conversation he had with Prince Harry. He wrote, “There was a ridiculous business … when they made me try to persuade Harry to stay. Kind of manly pep talk. Totally hopeless.” This candid reflection highlights the potential frustrations and oddities that come with political life intertwined with royal affairs.
Reports suggest that sources for the Duke indicate that Johnson did indeed make a suggestion for both him and Meghan Markle to stay in the UK. However, there was no formal request from Buckingham Palace for Johnson to intervene in the matter.
Official Responses
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace clarified the situation, stating that there was no directive for Johnson to persuade Harry. Instead, it appeared that individual members of the Downing Street team thought it might be beneficial to mention the idea without any formal involvement from the palace itself.
- Expectation of Outcome: It seems that by that time, key players had come to the realization that persuading the Sussexes to stay was increasingly futile.
- Flight to Canada: The day after the private meeting, Prince Harry flew to Canada to reunite with his wife Meghan and their son Archie.
This lack of clarity and subsequent denial from the palace raises questions about the nature of these royal engagements and the role of politicians in matters of the royal family.
Reactions to the Memoir
As Johnson’s memoir prepares to hit bookshelves on October 10, the media has been abuzz with discussions surrounding his recollections. His story serves as both a personal account and a broader commentary on the turbulent relationship between the monarchy and modern celebrity culture.
British tabloids have been quick to weigh in, pointing out the irony of Johnson declaring success in Brexit while failing to keep Prince Harry from “Megxit,” as one unnamed friend humorously noted.
However, how humorous or serious this revelation appears can depend highly on individual interpretations of both the former Prime Minister’s political career and the dynamics surrounding the royal family.
Broader Implications
The continued scrutiny of the royal family, especially concerning the Sussexes, reflects larger societal interests in celebrity and legacy. Their move to step back is not just a transition for a couple but evokes discussions about tradition, modernity, and the ongoing adaptability of established institutions like the monarchy.
- Media Influence: The role of media coverage cannot be underestimated. The public’s fascination with royals often morphs into scrutiny of their personal lives and decisions, feeding a cycle of gossip and speculation.
- Cultural Shifts: The Sussexes’ choice to embrace a different lifestyle echoes changing societal values around family, responsibilities, and public personas, inviting comparisons with previous royal norms.
Conclusion
As Boris Johnson’s memoir unfolds the behind-the-scenes efforts to keep Prince Harry within the royal fold, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and pressures facing modern royals. Even the highest political figures find themselves entangled in matters of the heart, family, and identity. As this story continues to evolve, it challenges us to reflect on the intersection of privacy, celebrity, and duty in our increasingly interconnected world.
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