It’s family first for Prince Harry says his pal JJ
The announcement that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not return as working members of the Royal Family is not a surprise, according to friend of Prince Harry and former Strathallan pupil, JJ Chalmers.
The ex-marine who served with Harry in Afghanistan said that“not much has changed”for the family since the announcement they would step back as senior royals last January.
Harry, Meghan and Archie now live in California and formally stepped down in March, with a plan to review the arrangements after 12 months.
But last week the Queen confirmed the couple would not“continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service”.
The couple added that “service is universal”and offered to continue supporting the organisations they have represented.
Speaking to the BBC, Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers said:“This was laid out one year ago and I don’t think too much has changed in that year, except for the fact that arguably Harry, Meghan and Archie have become more settled as a family.
“That remains his number one priority.
“A sense of this [decision] is an element of control. So much of his life, particularly the way it faces into the media, is outwith of his control. And you want to wrestle and try and take, like any individual does, control of that.
“This decision, this change of circumstance ultimately will never change my view of him, particularly as a veteran.”