Harry claims he has ‘transitioned into a new role’ and gained the ‘favor’ of the United States due to Princess Diana’s legacy: “I don’t need the Royal Family anymore!”
In 2019, Prince Harry retraced the steps of his late mother, Princess Diana, in a highly symbolic journey through a minefield in Angola.
This act was a heartfelt tribute to Diana’s humanitarian legacy,
specifically her tireless efforts in raising awareness about the dangers of landmines and the devastation they cause to communities.
Diana’s 1997 visit to Angola, just months before her tragic death,
remains one of the most iconic moments of her life, highlighting her commitment to global causes that resonated deeply with people around the world.
Prince Harry’s retracing of her path was not just an act of remembrance,
but also a way to reignite the global conversation about landmine clearance and to continue the work his mother was so passionate about.
When Prince Harry returned to the very site where Princess Diana had walked over two decades earlier, it was a powerful, emotional moment for him. He walked through the minefield, fully aware of the personal and symbolic weight of his actions. But what made his journey even more significant was that much had changed in his life since that poignant trip in 2019. He has since experienced profound personal transitions, both in his private and public life, that have shaped him in ways he might not have anticipated at the time.
One of the most prominent changes is Prince Harry’s departure from his role as a senior working member of the British royal family. In 2020, he and his wife, Meghan Markle, made the unprecedented decision to step back from royal duties, which led to a whirlwind of media coverage and public scrutiny. The couple relocated to North America, where they have since pursued a more independent life, away from the constant gaze of the British press. This decision, often referred to as “Megxit,” marked a significant turning point in Harry’s life, as he sought to carve out a new path for himself and his family, one that prioritized their mental health and personal freedom.
In interviews since then, Harry has been candid about the toll that life within the royal family had taken on him and Meghan. He has spoken about the intense pressures they faced, including relentless media intrusion and the mental health struggles that ensued. Their departure from royal duties allowed them to step back from the traditional expectations placed upon them and focus on causes they are passionate about, particularly mental health advocacy. For Harry, this transition has been about reclaiming a sense of agency over his life, a journey that has been both challenging and rewarding.
Another key change in Harry’s life has been his journey into fatherhood. Since retracing his mother’s footsteps in Angola, he and Meghan have welcomed two children, Archie and Lilibet. Becoming a father has had a profound impact on Harry, who has often spoken about how his children have brought new meaning to his life. In particular, Harry has reflected on the ways in which his mother’s legacy informs the kind of parent he strives to be. He has expressed a deep desire to protect his family and to ensure that his children grow up in an environment that fosters love, security, and kindness—values that he believes were central to Diana’s approach to parenting.
Additionally, since his 2019 trip to Angola, Harry has taken on new roles that reflect his evolving priorities. He and Meghan have founded Archewell, a nonprofit organization focused on social impact, and they have also signed partnerships with major companies like Netflix and Spotify to produce content that aligns with their values. Through these ventures, Harry has been able to amplify causes he cares about, from mental health awareness to environmental sustainability. His work with veterans, a cause that has long been close to his heart, continues to be a major focus of his efforts, particularly through the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women that he founded.
The personal growth that Harry has experienced since 2019 also includes his increasing willingness to speak openly about the trauma he endured following the death of his mother. In recent years, Harry has been more vocal than ever about the impact that Diana’s death had on him as a young boy, and how it shaped his adult life. In documentaries, interviews, and even a memoir, he has shared insights into his grief and his ongoing journey to heal. For Harry, retracing Diana’s steps in Angola was not just about continuing her legacy, but also about confronting his own past and the pain he carries from losing her.
Moreover, the world has changed significantly since 2019, and Harry has had to navigate these broader shifts as well. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, has brought about profound global challenges, affecting everything from mental health to social justice issues—causes that are central to Harry and Meghan’s advocacy work. As a public figure, Harry has used his platform to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the importance of compassion, resilience, and collective action.
In sum, much has indeed changed in Prince Harry’s life since he retraced Princess Diana’s footsteps through that minefield in 2019. His personal evolution, marked by fatherhood, a step back from royal duties, and a renewed focus on mental health and social impact, reflects a man who is deeply committed to honoring his mother’s legacy while also forging his own path in the world. The journey he has been on since 2019 has been one of transformation, both personal and professional, as he continues to navigate the complexities of his role in the public eye while staying true to his values and priorities.