Boris Johnson Urged to Give ‘Manly Pep Talk’ to Prince Harry
Boris Johnson has revealed in his upcoming book, “Unleashed,” that he was asked by officials in Downing Street and Buckingham Palace to persuade Prince Harry to reconsider his decision to step away from royal life and leave the UK. The former prime minister claimed that he was tasked with giving the Duke of Sussex a “manly pep talk” to convince him that leaving Britain would be a mistake.
The meeting between Boris Johnson and Prince Harry took place in January 2020, just weeks after Johnson entered office. It occurred on the sidelines of a UK-Africa investment summit in London’s Docklands, where the two men met for 20 minutes without aides. Despite Johnson’s efforts to persuade the prince to stay, Prince Harry ultimately chose to move to Canada with Meghan Markle and later settled in Montecito, California.
The Attempt to Keep Prince Harry in the UK
According to extracts from Johnson’s book reported in the Daily Mail, the request for Johnson to intervene came shortly after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family. In his book, Johnson described the situation as “a ridiculous business” and expressed his belief that the attempt to convince Prince Harry to stay was “totally hopeless.”
During the meeting, Johnson reportedly highlighted the contributions that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had made to the UK, including Prince Harry’s work with the Invictus Games for ex-servicemen and Meghan Markle’s advocacy for the education of women and girls in developing countries. Despite Johnson’s admiration for the couple’s efforts, his attempts to persuade Prince Harry to remain in the UK were unsuccessful.
Boris Johnson’s Perspective
A friend of Boris Johnson stated that the former prime minister believed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were valuable assets to the UK and expressed disappointment that they chose to leave. Johnson’s friend highlighted the positive impact of the couple’s charitable work and humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the loss that their departure represented for the country.
It is clear from Johnson’s account that he viewed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from royal duties as a significant loss for the UK. Despite his efforts to convince Prince Harry to reconsider, the Duke of Sussex ultimately chose to pursue a new path with his family in North America.
The Impact of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Departure
The decision by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family had a profound impact on the institution and on the public perception of the monarchy. Their departure marked a significant shift in the way the royal family operated and interacted with the media and the public.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to leave the UK and establish a new life in North America was met with a mix of support and criticism. While some praised the couple for prioritizing their family and mental health, others questioned their commitment to their royal duties and obligations.
The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also raised questions about the future of the monarchy and the role of the royal family in modern society. Their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family highlighted the challenges and pressures faced by individuals in the public eye and sparked a broader conversation about the expectations placed on members of the royal family.
In conclusion, Boris Johnson’s attempt to persuade Prince Harry to remain in the UK and continue his royal duties reflects the complexities and challenges faced by members of the royal family. The decision by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to step back from their roles as senior royals had far-reaching implications and sparked a debate about the future of the monarchy.