Prince Harry Was Urged to Stay in U.K. by Ex-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson: Report

Mar. 15, 2025

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Harry.Photo:Justin Tallis - WPA Pool /Getty; Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty

Justin Tallis - WPA Pool /Getty; Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty

In his upcoming memoir,Unleashed, Johnson, who was prime minister from July 2019 to Sept. 2022, reportedly writes about meeting Harry on the prince’s final day as a working royal in January 2020.

According to a Sept. 27preview of the book, which is set to be serialized in theDaily Mail, Johnson writes that there was “a ridiculous business… when they made me try to persuade Harry to stay. Kind of manly pep talk. Totally hopeless.”

Prince Harry and Boris Johnson at the U.K.- Africa summit on Jan. 20, 2020 where they are said to have discussed Harry’s departure.Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty

Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty

By that stage, Harry had already made a speech in which he said he and his wifeMeghan Marklehad “no other option” but to step back from royal life.

That is most likely a reference to Harry’s speech tosupporters of his Sentebale charityon January 19, 2020, when he said, “It brings me great sadness that it has come to this. The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly."

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

“It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges,” Harry added. “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.”

Prince Harry and Boris Johnson at the U.K.-Africa summit in Jan. 2020, where they are said to have discussed Harry’s departure.Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty

Harry and Meghan announced on Jan. 8, 2020, that they would step back from their royal duties and become “financially independent.” The Duchess of Sussexflew back to Canada, where the couple had been staying, to be with their then 8-month-old sonArchie, while Harry stayed on for talks with his family at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

Harry, who celebrated his 40th birthday on Sept. 15, spent this week in New Yorkcarrying out a series of meetingsand events focused on the charities and causes to which he remains closely committed. He isset to return to London on Sept. 30for hisWellChildcharity’s annual awards.

source: people.com