An assertive statement from Prince Harry a few years ago has vanished from the British Royal family’s website. The removal occurred after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, recently marked a milestone in their post-royal life with their children.
The British Royal Family’s official website has reportedly removed Prince Harry’s 2016 statement condemning the British media’s “racial undertones of comment pieces” about his wife, Meghan Markle.
This removal ends the statement’s seven-year presence on the website. Although it is no longer accessible there, the statement remains visible on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s official X page.
In Harry’s lengthy message, he instructed then Kensington Palace communications secretary Jason Knauf to release the strongly worded message just days after his relationship with Meghan became public.
Prince Harry departs the Rolls Building of the High Court after giving evidence during the Mirror Group phone hacking trial on June 6, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The statement sparked significant internal conflict within the royal family. In his memoir “Spare,” Harry shared that King Charles III and Prince William were “furious” because the statement made them look bad for not defending their own wives similarly.
Prince William, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, talk with King Charles III as they attend the Commonwealth Day service on March 11, 2019 in Westminster Abbey, London.
Harry’s book also details Meghan’s distressing experiences during that period. As she traveled to see him, paparazzi pursued her at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
Copies of Prince Harry’s book “Spare” display at a Barnes & Noble bookstore on January 10, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Feeling “jittery, exposed,” Meghan found temporary refuge after an Air Canada representative offered her a private room and some food. However, the media scrutiny persisted as she landed in London.
Meghan Markle at the Wellington airport on October 28, 2018, in Wellington, New Zealand. | Source: Getty Images
Harry’s statement, meant to protect Meghan, sparked conflict within the royal family. The Duke of Sussex’s book claimed that Charles and William criticized him for making them appear negligent toward their own partners’ harassment.
King Charles III and Prince William at the Army Aviation Centre on May 13, 2024, in Stockbridge, Hampshire. | Source: Getty Images
Harry recalled the tension: “By the time she landed at Heathrow my statement was everywhere. And changing nothing. The onslaught continued.”
Meghan Markle bows her head as she attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on November 7, 2019, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
This situation starkly contrasted with Harry and Meghan’s earlier visits, where they would “walk around Frogmore gardens” or “talk dreamily about the future.” Instead, they found themselves “stressed out, meeting lawyers, searching for ways to combat this madness.”
The reported removal of Harry’s statement from the royal website highlights ongoing sensitivities and unresolved conflicts within the royal family, particularly in handling media scrutiny and public support.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games 2017 at Nathan Philips Square on September 25, 2017, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
This latest development happened after Harry and Meghan celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on May 19, 2024. The two marked the special day with a romantic dinner outing.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex outside the St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England, on May 19, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
The couple were seen dining with Brian Robbins, the president and chief executive officer of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon. Brian’s wife, Tracey Robbins, joined the trio at Lucky’s, an upmarket steakhouse in Montecito, California.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex try some food as they visit a cooking demonstration at the Villa des Ambassadors in Rabat, Morocco, on February 25, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess seemed to love this steakhouse as they dined there a couple of times after relocating to California.
In 2020, the two dined at one of the tables outside the steakhouse while on a double date with their friends Katherine McPhee and David Foster. Meghan was spotted with her agent in 2023 enjoying lunch at this place.
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle meets members as they officially open Number 7, a Feeding Birkenhead citizens supermarket and community cafe, in Birkenhead, Merseyside, England, on January 14, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
The latest visit by Harry and Meghan to the steakhouse with Brian and Tracey came amidst a busy period for the Sussexes. Still, the two, who had developed a close relationship with Brian and his wife, made time to hang out.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a Creative Industries and Business Reception in Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 2, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
The four had previously gone together to the Bob Marley film premiere in Jamaica. Tracey, a fashion designer, was also among the few who got a jar of Meghan’s homemade jam, American Riviera Orchard, earlier in May.
Brian Robbins, Tracy Robbins, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends Premiere of “Bob Marley: One Love” in Kingston, Jamaica, on January 23, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
It is unknown whether Meghan and Harry had another private dinner to mark their sixth wedding anniversary but as per a source the pair have been known to gift each other and have their own takes on traditional wedding presents.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex speak during the Global Citizen Live festival in New York City, on September 25, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
To mark their first year of marriage, Harry gave Meghan an eternity ring while the Duchess gifted her husband a framed copy of her wedding speech.
A source divulged that on their second anniversary in 2020, “they both gave each other gifts based on ‘cotton.'” The source added, “Undoubtedly, it was a very creative and romantic gesture as all their gifts are to one another.”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Salute To Freedom Gala in New York City, on November 10, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
On their fourth wedding anniversary, Meghan and Harry revealed details about their wedding music for a special exhibition at Windsor Castle in the fall of 2018.
This included George Frideric Handel’s “Eternal Source of Light Divine,” performed by Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas as Meghan walked down the aisle on their wedding day.
Meghan Markle walks down the aisle during her wedding to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Meghan revealed the song “was actually Harry’s choice entirely and I think a really beautiful piece.” She said that when listening to the song, she can retrace her walk down the aisle as it is truly special to them. “I think it’s one of those things we’ll treasure forever,” she added.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle arrive at the High Altar for their wedding ceremony in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Harry shared that when he chose the song, he was looking for something really different. He gushed that wherever he and his wife are and whatever they are doing, when they listen to the song it takes them back to their wedding day. “It’s a beautiful thing for both of us,” he admitted.
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand at the altar at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, England, on May 19, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
A sweet video shared on X shows how lovely it felt for Harry to see Meghan walk down the aisle to him with their song playing. When she reached him and he set his eyes on her, he told Meghan, “You look amazing. I’m so lucky.”
Now, Harry and Meghan find their happiness in each other. The lovebirds have built a life in California, where they pursue business and philanthropic endeavors and most importantly, raise their two kids.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, react as they attend the annual One Young World Summit in Manchester, north-west England on September 5, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Meghan and Harry occasionally offer glimpses into their unique family dynamics. Recently, they even shared their heartfelt perspectives on raising children, revealing more about their parenting philosophy.
The perspective that Harry and Meghan have on children in need is also how Meghan views her own children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Speaking on their upbringing, she noted, “It’s what we see in our own children—to give them that promise and excitement for their futures.”
Her role as a mother intertwines with her public endeavors. She seeks to instill the same hope and ambition in her children that she aims to inspire in children worldwide.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince Archie during a photocall in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images
Meghan and Harry’s reflections on their family provide a deeper look into their evolving family dynamics. As their children grow, the couple has observed unique traits and potential in both Archie and Lilibet.
These traits resonate with their own aspirations and values. Meghan shared a touching anecdote about their daughter, Lilibet, who is nearly three years old.
Reflecting on her interactions with Lilibet, Meghan recounted how her daughter once looked at her and said, “Mama, I see me in you,” a statement Meghan interpreted quite literally. This illustrated to Meghan the profound connection and reflection she sees in her children.
Each child has developed their own personality, which their parents cherish. Archie recently celebrated his fifth birthday and has shown a keen interest in construction. Lilibet, on the other hand, has taken an affinity towards singing and dancing.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and their son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa
These interests not only highlight the children’s individual personalities but also how Meghan and Harry nurture these traits. The couple has encouraged their kids to explore and develop their unique talents and passions.
The personal reflections shared by Meghan provide a look into the thoughtful nature of her parenting. She has also talked about the impact of her children’s development on her own perspectives.
Talking about their family, Meghan gushed: “We’re just doing great. And happy to be watching our family grow up and evolve. Of course, I’m happy. We’re really happy.”
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and their son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa
In recent months, Meghan and Harry have continued to make public appearances. However, not in the capacity that many once knew them—as “working royals.” Instead, they now engage with the world on their own terms. They still embody the same commitment that characterized their royal duties.
Meghan’s engagement with communities, especially the youth, remains consistent throughout her public life. During her visit to South Africa in 2019, she expressed a heartfelt connection with the young people she met, declaring that she was there as a sister.
Meghan Markle with South African community members as seen in a September 26, 2019 Instagram post | Source: Instagram.com/sussexroyal/
In discussions with local youth, Meghan often reflected on her own formative years. She acknowledged the crucial influence of role models.
Meghan Markle with South African community members as seen in a September 26, 2019 Instagram post | Source: Instagram.com/sussexroyal/
“I always reflect back on myself as a young girl and the type of inspiration that I wanted to see in other women. I hope in some small way I can be a part of that for a lot of these young girls especially,” Meghan shared.
Looking ahead, Harry and Meghan are enthusiastic about the prospects of expanding their philanthropic work. The couple has acknowledged the limitations that remote interactions have on the effectiveness of their initiatives as they hope to engage more directly with the people they support.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during their royal tour of South Africa on September 23, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa | Source: Getty Images
“There’s only so much one can do from home and over Zoom, so we look forward to traveling more because the work matters,” Harry expressed.
Their plans for future travels are not just about broadening their geographical reach but also deepening the impact of their work. Whether it involves the Archewell Foundation, the Invictus Games, or other charitable activities, the Sussexes are committed to being physically present and supporting the individuals at the heart of their causes.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet with local children as they arrive at Dubbo Airport on October 17, 2018 in Dubbo, Australia | Source: Getty Images
Meghan and Harry’s approach remains firmly rooted in their desire to make a meaningful difference. Their commitment to their work and to each other as a family continues to evolve. This reflects their shared values and aspirations for a better world.