Woman’s Day (Australia)

I HAVE TO PROTECT MY WIFE & LITTLE ARCHIE

Prince Harry makes a bombshell decision about his future as a royal

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It’s not like Prince Harry to miss a party of any kind, so when he was absent at two huge royal gatherings in one week, palace aides knew something very serious was afoot.

Harry, 34, was nowhere to be seen at the Order of the Garter service on June 17 – where his grandmothe­r the Queen, father Prince Charles

and brother Prince William played important roles – despite almost every other member of the monarchy cheering them on at Windsor Castle.

RACE DAY NO-SHOW

But perhaps more tellingly, Harry was noticeably absent from the Royal Ascot races the following weekend, despite William, his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, both 37, and cousin Zara Tindall, 38, kicking up their heels in the royal box.

“Harry never usually misses an opportunit­y to let his hair down with his brother and cousins, so him not being at Ascot was extremely telling. It suggests he’s had enough of royal life – even his favourite parts,” an insider tells Woman’s Day.

While his family were all smiles during their day at the races, Harry was instead giving a rousing speech in London on

‘He’s had enough of royal life – even his favourite parts’

clearing landmines in Angola – a cause famously close to the heart of his late mum Princess Diana.

“This recent change in behaviour from Harry is a clear indication that he’s determined to ignore royal protocol and do what makes him happy,” says a long-time royal watcher.

The 34-year-old, who married former Suits actress Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, in May last year, is widely reported to be growing increasing­ly frustrated with the backlash against his American wife, who last month gave birth to his son Archie.

Just last week, it was revealed a “senior royal” had nicknamed 37-year-old Meghan a “degree wife” – meaning no one thinks she’ll be around after three years.

Reports also claimed Harry’s grandfathe­r Prince Philip, 98, advised him not to wed Meghan, apparently telling him, “One steps out with actresses, one doesn’t marry them.”

TIME TO LEAVE

Harry is said to have “sidelined” anybody who voices any kind of reservatio­n about Meghan, including his former best friend Tom “Skippy” Inskip, who also had a heart-to-heart with the prince during which he questioned whether he might be more “in lust” than in love.

“Harry’s had enough,” a source tells. “He was hoping everyone would see how deeply in love he and Meghan are, but he’s given it a year and it’s not getting better. He and Meghan don’t want to raise Archie in such a negative environmen­t, and are ready to take the plunge and quit the family – and even the UK altogether,” the insider adds.

“Harry knows it will cause an absolute firestorm, but at the end of the day he sees no reason to stick around and perform his duty as a prince. His brother has all that pressure, and now that

William has

 ??  ?? Harry is ready to walk away from the palace – and the UK – for the sake of his wife and their son Archie (below).
Harry is ready to walk away from the palace – and the UK – for the sake of his wife and their son Archie (below).
 ??  ?? The Queen arrived at Royal Ascot with Queen Maxima of the Netherland­s. Princess Anne enjoyed a carriage ride with Sophie, the Countess of Wessex
Pink was the order of the day for Charles and Camilla. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were twinning in blue.
The Queen arrived at Royal Ascot with Queen Maxima of the Netherland­s. Princess Anne enjoyed a carriage ride with Sophie, the Countess of Wessex Pink was the order of the day for Charles and Camilla. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie were twinning in blue.

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