In 1993, Princess Diana Stepped Back From Royal Duty in an Eerily Similar Way to Meghan & Harry
Yesterday, Prince Harry spoke candidly about his and Meghan Markle's decision to step back as senior royals of the British Royal Family. Princess Diana Made a Similar Speech in 1993.

Yesterday, Prince Harry spoke candidly about his and Meghan Markle's decision to step back (opens in new tab) as senior royals of the British Royal Family. He spoke to Sentebale supporters about his sadness and gratitude, as well as his firm belief that this was the right decision. What's interesting is that when Princess Diana, in 1993, stepped back from royal duties because of intense media scrutiny, she made a LOT of very similar points. Obviously, we don't know if Harry looked at the speech before writing down his own, but I'm speculating here—the similarities in language are likely not a coincidence, and Harry mentions his mother specifically during his statement. Let's look at the similarities.
Here's Diana:
- "In the past twelve years, I can honestly say, that one of my greatest pleasures has been my association with people like yourselves."
- "My debt of gratitude to you all is immense. I hope, in some way, I've been of service in return."
- "A year ago, I spoke of my desire to continue with my work unchanged...However, life and circumstances alter and I hope you will forgive me if I use this opportunity to share with you my plans for the future which now indeed have changed."
- "I was not aware of how overwhelming that attention would become. Nor the extent to which it would affect both my public duties and my personal life, in a manner, that's been hard to bear."
- "I attach great importance to my charity work and intend to focus on a smaller range of areas in the future. Over the next few months I will be seeking a more suitable way of combining a meaningful public role, with hopefully, a more private life."
- "I hope you can find it in your hearts to understand and to give me the time and space that has been lacking in recent years."
- "I couldn't stand here today and make this sort of statement without acknowledging the heartfelt support I've been given by the public in general. Your kindness and generous affection has carried me through some of the most difficult periods."
And here's Harry:
- "The U.K. is my home and a place that I love. That will never change. I’ve grown up feeling supported by so many of you and I’ve watched as you welcomed Meghan with open arms as you saw me find the love and happiness that I’d hoped for all my life."
- "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."
- "When I lost my mum 23 years ago, you took me under your wing. You’ve looked out for me for so long...It has been our privilege to serve you, and we will continue to lead a life of service."
- "You've looked out for me for so long, but the media is a powerful force, and my hope is one day our collective support for each other can be more powerful because this is so much bigger than just us."
- "I will continue to be the same man who holds his country dear and dedicates his life to supporting the causes, charities and military communities that are so important to me."
- "We are taking a leap of faith—thank you for giving me the courage to take this next step."
- "My work and commitment for this charity, that I founded 14 years ago now, will never falter."
Both of them also thanked the Queen (interestingly, if you look at the full transcript of Diana's speech (opens in new tab), that line was added by the Queen) and spoke to the tradition that formed the basis of their lives, while asserting themselves as taking a different path. It gives a strong, unspoken undercurrent to Harry's decision to protect his family and still support the causes he loves—just like his mother did.
Excerpts of Diana's speech are here:
And here's Harry:
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
It makes the current news about Harry and Meghan all the more poignant, TBH.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
24 Hours With John Legend
The singer, record producer, husband, and entrepreneur reveals how he maintains youthful, glowing skin.
By Deena Campbell
-
What Is Co-Washing, and How Do You Do It? Experts Weigh In
Skip the shampoo.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Digital Lavender Is About to Be the Biggest Color of the Year
Barbiecore got a "Lavender Haze"-inspired makeover.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
There's No Chance of Reconciliation Between Prince Harry and His Family "In the Short Term," Royal Expert Claims
Urgh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Likely to Feel "Overwhelmed" by Her Responsibilities This Year, Astrologer Says
...relatable.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Will "Be Able to Build Bridges" With Certain Members of the Royal Family in 2023, Astrologer Claims
We shall see.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Just Revealed Her Workout Routine Involves Trampolining With Her Kids
I love this.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry's Memoir Hasn't "Had a Profound Effect" on Princess Kate, Body Language Expert Claims
She didn't let it get to her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kim Kardashian Bought Princess Diana's Amethyst Cross for $200k, And Now It's an Amazing Meme
I'm sorry for laughing.
By Iris Goldsztajn