Former PM Tried to Persuade Duke to Remain in the UK Following 2020 Announcement
Prince Harry reportedly had a private conversation with former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who urged him to reconsider his decision to step back from royal duties during their final meeting in January 2020.
As detailed in Johnson’s forthcoming memoir Unleashed, the former Prime Minister writes about a brief but significant meeting with Harry on the Duke’s last day as a working royal. According to excerpts published in the Daily Mail, Johnson recounts being asked to deliver a “manly pep talk” to convince Harry to stay in Britain. “It was a ridiculous business… totally hopeless,” Johnson recalls.
The 20-minute conversation took place behind the scenes at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, just after Harry publicly stated that he and Meghan had “no other option” but to step back from royal life. A source close to the meeting described it as a “man-to-man conversation,” adding, “Harry wasn’t for turning—he was unpersuadable by that point.”
Harry and Meghan had announced their decision to become “financially independent” on January 8, 2020, a move that shocked the world. While Meghan returned to Canada, Harry remained in the UK for discussions with his family at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
Reflecting on his decision in a speech at the time, Harry acknowledged the challenges they faced and emphasised, “We’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you.” Despite Johnson’s efforts, Harry remained firm in his decision to step back from his royal role, setting the stage for the couple’s new life outside the monarchy.
