THE DUKE and Duchess of Cambridge are hosting the UK-Africa summit finale tonight WITHOUT Prince Harry after he said he had “no option” but to step back from royal life.
Harry and Meghan were originally supposed to have been among the guests of honour at the bash for African leaders, but instead Wills and Kate hosted, along with Edward, Sophie and Princess Anne, on behalf of the Queen who is still at Sandringham.
Earlier today Prince Harry met Boris Johnson and other world leaders at the UK Africa Investment Summit in Greenwich after he told of his “great sadness” at ditching the Royal Family.
The Duke of Sussex left big brother Prince William to host a huge bash at Buckingham Palace for the 21 African delegations and their spouses.
It is the first time the Queen has asked him to host a major state occasion inside the Palace as he gears up for his future role as King.
It comes as HOAR revealed today how Harry and William have ended their two-year feud after realising it was “now or never”.
The pair made up in man-to-man peace talks away from the high-stress royal summit at Sandringham with their dad Prince Charles and the Queen.
But sources say Harry is still at odds with his father over the sensational decision to quit the royal family.
‘GREAT SADNESS’
On Sunday night told of his “great sadness” over his decision to step down and move abroad with baby Archie.
Speaking at a private event for his charity Sentebale at The Ivy restaurant, he said: “The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly.”
Harry, 35, told friends and supporters: “It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I havent always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.”
The Duke claimed he wasn’t walking away from the Royal Family but it “wasn’t possible” to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and the Military without public funding.
But making a point of his new non-royal status, he said: “I want you to hear the truth from me, as much as I can share not as a Prince, or a Duke, but as Harry.”
He also expressed sorrow his military titles had been taken away from him – praising everyone “who has supported injured veterans” on Instagram today.
‘MORE INDEPENDENT LIFE’
On Saturday The Queen confirmed that from the spring they will relinquish their HRH titles as they seek “a more independent life” in North America.
During the talks, all options were on the table and the Evening Standard has reported the Queen had the choice of stripping Harry of his dukedom and using one of his lesser titles.
The newspaper quoted a source as saying it was “seriously considered” but another source told the PA news agency this was “categorically untrue”.
The discussions to resolve the crisis between officials and members of the royal family were described as “extremely friendly and constructive” when they ended.
The couple will not receive public funds anymore and will have to pay the taxpayer the 2.4 million that was spent on refurbishing Frogmore Cottage.
They will need to pay the estimated 30,000 a month upkeep bills at the Windsor home – but are now free to cash in on commercial ventures.
Questions have been raised about how Harry and Meghan will continue with their “Sussex Royal” brand when they cease being working royals.
This issue and other questions – including funding for the couple and their son Archie’s protection – have yet to be resolved.
