Before I begin, I must say that I can only imagine
what you may have heard or perhaps read over the past few weeks.
So 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, the same person that many of you
have watched grow up over the last 35 years, but now
with a clearer perspective.
The UK is my home and a place that I love that will never change.
I've grown up feeling supported from so many of you,
and I watched as you welcomed Meghan with open arms
as you as you saw me find the love and happiness that I'd hoped for all my life.
Finally, the second son of Diana got hitched. Hooray!
[audience laughs]
I also know that you've come to know me well enough over all these years
to trust that the woman I chose as my wife upholds the same values as I do.
And she does, and she's the same woman I fell in love with.
We both do everything we can to fly the flag and carry out our roles
for this country with pride.
Once Meghan and I were married, we were excited, we were hopeful
and we were here to serve.
For those reasons, 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.
There was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges,
and I know I haven't always got 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 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.
I was born into this life and it is a great honour
to serve my country and the Queen.
When I lost my mum 23 years ago, you took me under your wing.
You 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.
It has been a privilege to serve you, and we will continue to lead a life of service.
So in that respect, nothing changes.
It has also been a privilege to meet so many of you and to feel your excitement
for our son Archie, who saw snow for the first time the other day
and thought it was bloody brilliant.
[audience laughs]
I will always have the utmost respect for my grandmother, my commander in chief,
and I am incredibly grateful to her and the rest of my family
for the support they have shown Meghan and I over the last few months.
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.
Together you have given me an education about living, and this role has taught me
more about what is right and just than I could ever have imagined.
We are taking a leap of faith, so thank you for giving me the courage
to take this next step.
[applause]