Prince Harry touched down in Victoria, Canada, on Tuesday as he bade farewell to official royal life and joined his family.
Before flying out of the U.K., he attended the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London on Monday, meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson, CNN reported.
Harry then flew across the Pond to join his wife, Meghan Markle, and their son, Archie, as they embark on a new life in Canada, according to video obtained by The Telegraph.
It was barely two weeks ago, on Jan. 8, when the newest-minted royal couple announced they would “step back” as “senior members” of the family and “carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” as their initial statement said.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce they’ll ‘step back’ as ‘senior members of the Royal Family’ »
It turned out not to be that simple. The prospect of conflicts of interest as they worked to become financially independent while under the “royal highness” umbrella proved tricky, and the pair were forced to make more of a break than they had anticipated.
Harry gave up his “royal highness” title, his military appointments and right to wear the uniform, and a number of royal patronages. The couple, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace on Saturday, also “have shared their wish to repay the Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage,” which is where they’ll live when they’re in the U.K.
What they most likely did not give up are family ties.
“I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family,” Queen Elizabeth II said in a statement Saturday, announcing some details of their departure. “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.”
Harry said Sunday that he did not take the decision lightly but felt that he and Markle had no other option.
“The U.K. is my home and a place that I love,” he told the audience at an event for a charity he co-founded. “That will never change.”