In a shocking revelation from his sensational new memoir, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson disclosed that he was enlisted to deliver a pep talk to Prince Harry.
The objective was to convince the Duke of Sussex that leaving Britain for a fresh start abroad with Meghan Markle would be a monumental mistake. To fully grasp the gravity of the situation, it's worth drawing a parallel with another infamous royal saga—the abdication of King Edward VIII in favor of his marriage to Wallis Simpson. Edward’s negotiations, which spanned nearly six months, were laden with complexity. Not only was Edward navigating the monumental decision of abdicating the throne, but he was also grappling with the burdens and expectations that came with being a king.
Princess Margaret's love affair with Peter Townsend presented yet another royal challenge. Her struggle over the course of two years to reconcile her personal desires with her royal duties highlighted the intricate balancing act required by members of the royal family. These historical situations emphasize the monarchy's long-standing difficulty in navigating the treacherous waters of love, duty, and public perception. In stark contrast, Harry's exit from royal life, alongside Meghan, unfolded at a much faster pace. After the couple announced their intention to step back from royal duties, negotiations lasted barely three weeks, culminating in a crucial meeting at Sandringham on January 13, 2020.
Despite Harry reportedly presenting five options for their future roles, the crux of the matter was much simpler. He wanted a "half-in, half-out" arrangement, whereby he and Meghan could continue some royal duties while pursuing private ventures. However, the royal family's response was firm: there would be no compromise. In the eyes of the monarchy, this was a clear-cut decision—Harry and Meghan would either fully comply with royal expectations or walk away entirely. Boris Johnson recalls that the Palace had an intriguing reason for involving him in the matter. They believed that a conversation with a prominent figure like the Prime Minister might sway Harry’s decision. Nevertheless, Johnson himself was puzzled by his involvement, particularly since it appeared that Harry’s decision had already been made.
The conversation between Boris and Prince Harry lasted a mere 20 minutes and involved no serious negotiations or proposals. It took place just a week after Harry’s official announcement to step back, and it became clear that Boris was acting as more of a messenger than a mediator. The Palace, it seemed, wanted to ensure that Harry was seen as leaving of his own volition rather than being forced out. This was significant, especially in light of the growing public sympathy for Meghan in early 2019, when she faced intense media scrutiny.
What followed was the creation of the "Sandringham Accord," an agreement that Harry would later oppose during his legal battles with the government. After this brief conversation, Harry lost his publicly funded security and was demoted within the royal ranks. Boris's chat with him on January 20, 2020, was less about negotiation and more about clarifying the ramifications of his decision to step down as a senior royal. Harry’s choice was not merely personal—it had far-reaching consequences for the monarchy, the government, and the public at large.
The government, the Prime Minister, and even Parliament were informed of Harry's resignation, and Boris's role in the situation was primarily to ensure that Harry fully understood the weight of his decision. Despite the seemingly minor nature of this meeting, it highlighted Harry’s misunderstanding of the situation. He appeared to believe that he could return to royal duties if things did not work out, but the reality was much harsher. Without the backing of key figures, particularly Prince Philip, Harry found himself increasingly isolated. Prince Philip's reluctance to engage in the negotiations proved to be a decisive factor in their breakdown, sealing Harry’s exit from royal life.
Boris Johnson’s account of his brief interaction with Prince Harry sheds light on the chaotic and complex landscape that surrounded "Megxit." It underscores not only the intricate dynamics within the royal family but also the enormous pressures brought to bear by public opinion and political expectations. In the end, Harry's departure from royal duties marked a significant turning point for both the monarchy and his personal life, leaving behind a tangled web of family ties, media scrutiny, and public sentiment.
