Prince Harry has spoken out publicly
He has addressed rumors about a potential divorce from Meghan Markle. While attending The New York Times 2024 DealBook Summit in New York City on Wednesday, Harry, 40, responded to growing speculation about his marriage to Markle, 43.
During the event, NYT columnist and DealBook founder Andrew Ross Sorkin, 47, questioned Harry about the public’s ongoing fascination with his personal life.
Sorkin continued, “And there’s articles left and right about, you know, ‘Why are you making, doing independent events? Why aren’t you doing them together?’”
Harry offered a lighthearted response: “Because you invited me, you should have known!” His comment drew laughter from the audience.
When asked whether the constant scrutiny was ever a positive for him, Harry was direct: “No, that’s definitely not a good thing.” He added, “Apparently we’ve bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, what?”
Reflecting on the relentless gossip
Harry said, “It’s hard to keep up with, but that’s why you just sort of ignore it. The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls.”
“I have no doubt this will be spun or twisted somehow against me, and maybe you yourself will be trolled relentlessly. For that, I can only apologize, but you did invite me, so it’s not my fault.”
The Duke also opened up about his complicated relationship with the media, shaped by his experiences growing up in the shadow of the press’s intense focus on his late mother, Princess Diana, and her tumultuous marriage to King Charles III.
“I’ve had a lived experience since I was a kid,” Harry shared. “Also I’ve seen stories written about myself that aren’t exactly based on reality and seen stories about members of my family, friends, strangers, all sorts of people. And I think when you grow up within that environment, you do find yourself questioning the validity of the information but also what other people are thinking of that as well, and how dangerous it can be over the course of time.”
Despite the media frenzy, Harry emphasized his commitment to the charitable initiatives he and Meghan are pursuing through their Archewell Foundation, particularly their focus on improving online safety for children. He also reiterated his primary goals: “being the best husband and dad that I can be.”
Harry and Meghan, who married in 2018, are parents to two children: Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Harry’s appearance at the summit marks his return to the platform, following Meghan’s participation in 2021.
