Prince Harry’s Controversial Statement Removed from Royal Website — What Happened Next

A bold statement once made by Prince Harry has quietly vanished from the British Royal Family’s official website. The change comes just as he and his wife, Meghan Markle, mark a significant milestone in their post-royal journey with their children—sparking fresh curiosity about their evolving relationship with the monarchy.

Reports reveal that Prince Harry’s powerful 2016 statement, in which he denounced the “racial undertones” in media coverage of Meghan Markle, has been quietly removed from the official British Royal Family website—ending its seven-year presence online. However, while it has disappeared from the royal site, the message remains accessible on the official X page of the Prince and Princess of Wales, keeping its legacy intact.

Just days after his relationship with Meghan Markle became public, Prince Harry sent a forceful directive to Jason Knauf, then the communications secretary for Kensington Palace, instructing him to release a strongly worded statement condemning the media’s treatment of Meghan.

The bold declaration sent shockwaves through the royal family. In his memoir Spare, Harry revealed that both Prince William and King Charles III were furious, believing the statement cast them in a negative light for not publicly defending their own wives as Harry had defended Meghan.

Harry also detailed Meghan’s harrowing experiences during that time, including being chased by paparazzi through Toronto’s Pearson International Airport as she traveled to see him—an early sign of the relentless scrutiny that would follow their relationship.

Feeling “jittery and exposed,” Meghan found brief solace when an Air Canada representative offered her food and a quiet space to escape the chaos. But even after landing in London, the relentless media pursuit didn’t stop.

Harry’s statement, intended to shield Meghan, only deepened tensions within the royal family. In Spare, he revealed that both King Charles and Prince William chastised him, believing his actions implied they had failed to defend their own wives. “By the time she landed at Heathrow, my statement was everywhere,” Harry recalled, acknowledging the strain it caused within the family.

Yet, despite his efforts, the media onslaught continued. Gone were the days when he and Meghan could simply stroll through Frogmore gardens, dreaming about the future. Instead, their reality had shifted—they were now stressed, consulting lawyers, desperately searching for ways to fight back against the madness.

The removal of Harry’s statement from the royal website underscores the ongoing tensions and unresolved fractures within the royal family—particularly when it comes to managing public perception and media scrutiny.

This development comes on the heels of Harry and Meghan’s sixth wedding anniversary, which they celebrated on May 19, 2024, with an intimate dinner date. Adding to the intrigue, the couple was joined by Brian Robbins, President and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, and his wife, Tracey Robbins. The group dined at Lucky’s, a luxurious steakhouse in Montecito, California—fueling speculation about potential Hollywood collaborations on the horizon.

Since settling in California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made Lucky’s Steakhouse one of their go-to dining spots. The couple has enjoyed several visits, including a double date with Katherine McPhee and David Foster in 2020 and a lunch meeting for Meghan and her agency in 2023.

Their most recent outing with Brian and Tracey Robbins came during a particularly busy period for the Sussexes, yet the two still made time for close friends. Their bond with Brian and Tracey has grown over time—they even attended the Jamaican premiere of the Bob Marley biopic together. In May, fashion designer Tracey Robbins was among the select few to receive a jar of Meghan’s homemade jam from her American Riviera Orchard brand, a subtle nod to their close friendship.

As for their sixth wedding anniversary, it’s unclear whether Harry and Meghan marked the occasion with another private dinner, but the couple has a tradition of thoughtful, sentimental gifts. To celebrate their first anniversary, Meghan gifted Harry a framed version of her wedding speech, while Harry surprised her with a stunning eternity ring—a symbol of their enduring commitment.

For their second anniversary in 2020, Harry and Meghan exchanged gifts based on the traditional “cotton” theme. A source described the gesture as “incredibly creative and romantic,” reflecting the couple’s ongoing tradition of thoughtful, heartfelt gifts.

Their deep appreciation for meaningful moments was also evident in 2018, when they shared details about their wedding music as part of a special display at Windsor Castle. One of the most poignant musical choices was George Frideric Handel’s “Eternal Source of Light Divine,” performed by Welsh soprano Elin Manahan Thomas as Meghan walked down the aisle.

According to Meghan, the selection was entirely Harry’s choice, a testament to his romantic nature. “I think it’s a really beautiful piece,” she shared, adding that the song holds such deep significance that it allows her to relive her wedding day each time she hears it. “I think it’s one of those things we’ll treasure forever.”

When selecting the music for their wedding, Prince Harry had something deeply meaningful in mind. He wanted a piece that would transport him and Meghan back to that special moment, no matter where they were or what they were doing. “It’s a beautiful thing for both of us,” he shared.

A touching video posted on X captures the raw emotion of that day—Harry’s eyes filled with admiration as Meghan walked down the aisle to “Eternal Source of Light Divine.” The moment she reached him, he whispered, “You look amazing. I’m quite fortunate.”

Now, years later, Harry and Meghan have built a life of happiness together. Living in California, they are devoted to raising their two children, while also focusing on business ventures and philanthropy, continuing to shape their legacy on their own terms.

Meghan and Harry occasionally offer glimpses into their family life, sharing their heartfelt perspectives on parenting and the values they hope to instill in their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. For Meghan, raising her children is deeply intertwined with her broader mission—to inspire and uplift children worldwide. “It’s what we see in our own children—to give them that promise and excitement for their futures,” she shared, emphasizing her desire to nurture hope and ambition in young minds everywhere.

As Archie and Lilibet grow, Meghan and Harry have observed special qualities in them that align with their own personal values and aspirations. Meghan recently shared a heartwarming moment with Lilibet, recalling how her nearly three-year-old daughter once said, “Mama, I see me in you.” Meghan took those words to heart, seeing them as a powerful reflection of their deep bond and the legacy of love and strength she hopes to pass down to her children.

Every child has a unique spark, and Meghan and Harry cherish the individuality of their own. Archie, now five, has shown a keen interest in construction, often immersing himself in building and creating. Lilibet, on the other hand, has embraced her love for dancing and singing, filling their home with energy and music.

These budding passions not only highlight their children’s distinct personalities but also reflect Meghan and Harry’s dedication to nurturing their growth. The couple actively encourages curiosity and creativity, ensuring that Archie and Lilibet have the freedom to explore their interests and develop their unique talents in a supportive, loving environment.

Meghan’s personal reflections offer a window into the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind her parenting. As she watches her children grow, she has openly shared how becoming a mother has transformed her perspective on life. Her views on family, values, and even her own identity have evolved, influenced by the joy and challenges of raising Archie and Lilibet. These changes reveal her deep commitment to guiding her children with love and wisdom, while embracing the personal growth that comes with motherhood.

Meghan has spoken fondly of her family, expressing how happy she is with the way things are unfolding: “We’re just doing wonderful. And I’m glad to be seeing our family mature and change. Naturally, I’m content. We are very content.”

While Meghan and Harry continue to step into the public eye, they do so on their own terms, no longer in the role of “working royals” but instead charting a course that reflects their independent life and values. Despite stepping away from royal duties, they still embody the same dedication and sense of responsibility that they held during their time as part of the royal family.

Meghan’s commitment to community remains a core part of her public life. Whether through her continued outreach to younger generations or her heartfelt connections, she consistently engages with people in meaningful ways. During her 2019 trip to South Africa, Meghan spoke of her role as a “sister” to the young children she met, sharing an authentic bond with them. In her conversations with young people in various communities, Meghan often reflects on her own upbringing, acknowledging the importance of role models in shaping futures.

Meghan shared a heartfelt reflection on her own early years, saying, “I often think back to my early years and the kind of role models I wished to see in other women. For many of these young ladies in particular, I hope that I may contribute in some tiny way.” This personal insight underscores her desire to empower and inspire young women by becoming the role model she once longed for.

Looking ahead, Harry and Meghan are eager to expand their charitable work and engage more deeply with the communities they support. While their virtual efforts have made an impact, both have acknowledged that in-person connections are crucial to amplifying the reach of their initiatives. “There’s only so much one can do from home and over Zoom, so we look forward to traveling more because the work matters,” Harry shared, emphasizing their commitment to making a more hands-on difference in the world.

As Meghan and Harry look to the future, their travel plans are focused not only on expanding their geographic reach but also on deepening the impact of their work. The couple is committed to being physically present in the communities they serve, whether through the Archewell Foundation, the Invictus Games, or other charitable initiatives. Their hands-on approach reflects their belief that real change happens when they are directly involved and can connect with the people at the heart of their causes.

Through this continued dedication to their work and to each other as a family, Meghan and Harry remain steadfast in their shared vision for a better world. Their common ideals, grounded in compassion, service, and hope, shape not only their charitable efforts but also their growing commitment to making a lasting difference—both in the world and in their own lives.