'Can't believe it': Prince Harry's anguish as his life is 'turned upside down'

Royal fans were left gobsmacked when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced at the beginning of January that they would be stepping away from their roles as senior royals, effective from March 31.

The couple had just returned from a Christmas spent in California with Meghan’s mum, Doria, and had come off the back of a highly successful royal tour of South Africa with their adorable son, Archie.

Prince Harry looking into the camera as he attends The Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on December 15, 2017 in Camberley, England.
Prince Harry is said to be upset at how his life has been turned upside down. Photo: Getty Images
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex travel down The Mall in a horse drawn carriage during Trooping The Colour 2018 on June 9, 2018 in London, England. The annual ceremony, involving over 1400 guardsmen and cavalry, is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. The parade marks the official birthday of the Sovereign, even though the Queen's actual birthday is on April 21st. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are now living in LA after stepping down from their roles as senior royals in the monarchy. Photo: Getty Images

But just a few short weeks later, the decision was made and Prince Harry was forced to relinquish his roles as Captain General Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant, RAF Honington and Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, Royal Naval Command.

When it was revealed that the couple were in fact moving overseas to LA, many thought the Sussexes had made a hasty choice in abandoning the monarchy.

The former ‘wild child’ of the royal family left the UK in the blink of an eye and now, according to friends, he’s missing parts of his former life.

Prince Harry and Prince William sit together on the steps of Highgrove House wearing army uniforms on July 18, 1986 in Tetbury, England.
Prince Harry and Prince William sit together on the steps of Highgrove House wearing army uniforms on July 18, 1986. Photo: Getty Images

According to The Telegraph, the 35-year-old is longing for the camaraderie of his days in the Army and thinks it may have helped him cope with all the changes that are occurring in his life.

“He has been telling friends he still can't believe this has happened. He can't believe his life has been turned upside down,” his friend said.

“He was in a happy place when he was serving in the Army, then he met Meghan and since then life has been great. But I don't think he foresaw things turning out quite as they did.”

Harry’s friend went on to say that Harry doesn’t blame Meghan for wanting to move back to her hometown of LA, but he feels that he “might have been better protected if he was still in the Army”.

Despite having an impressive military career spanning over ten years, Harry was forced to relinquish his titles when he stepped down from his role as a senior royal in March.

"As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties,” a statement from Buckingham Palace read.

Queen Elizabeth II  smiles at Prince Harry as she inspects soldiers at their passing-out Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst Military Academy on April 12, 2006 in Surrey, England
Prince Harry was forced to relinquish his military titles. Photo: Getty Images

It’s thought Prince Harry was deeply hurt that he had to give up his three military titles.

Just hours after it was announced he appeared at a private reception for the charity Sentebale, where he was a patron, and gave a heart-wrenching speech about his decision to abandon his duties.

“The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges.

“And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.

“What I want to make clear is we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you.

“Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding.

“Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. I’ve accepted this, knowing that it doesn’t change who I am or how committed I am.

“But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life.

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