Prince Harry's latest explanation for quitting the Royal family differs to what he said at the time, it has emerged.
Harry, 39, claims he and Meghan Markle "felt forced" to cease royal responsibilities and leave the UK in January 2020. However, at the time, Duke of Sussex's statement read he and his wife had "chosen to make a transition".
The different language has been noted as Harry challenges the decision to downgrade his publicly-funded security detail. His new statement, which was read in court this week, says: "It was with great sadness to both of us that my wife and I felt forced to step back from this role and leave the country in 2020. The UK is my home.
"The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the United States. That cannot happen if there is no possibility to keep them safe when they are on UK soil. I can't put my wife in danger like that, and given my experiences in life I'm reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm's way too."
Notes between Queen Elizabeth II's most senior aide and the then Cabinet Secretary, also shown in court, show how the monarch considered it “imperative” that they kept “effective security”. Sir Edward Young wrote to Sir Mark Sedwill, explaining that keeping the Sussexes safe was “of paramount importance to Her Majesty and her family”.
This communication clashes with Harry's narrative the Royal family was quick to downgrade his family's protection. When he and Meghan did leave the UK, in January 2020, they said they intended to become "financially independent".
The initial statement, when they announced their sudden departure, read: "After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.
"We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment."
At the time, it was reported that not only would the couple pay commercial rent on Frogmore Cottage, they would pay back the £2.4 million from the Sovereign Grant that was spent to refurbish it.
While Buckingham Palace did not refer specifically to security arrangements, a statement from the representatives said Harry and Meghan would no "longer receive funding for Royal duties". It added: "With the Queen's blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations."
