Watch: Prince Harry Says He Had ‘No Other Option’ But To Set Back From Royal Duties [Video]

At a recent charity event, Prince Harry revealed that there was “no other option,” for he and his wife Meghan Markle to step back from royal affairs. Speaking at a charity benefiting those suffering from HIV and AIDS, the 35-year-old prince spoke of he and his wife’s decision to withdraw from royal life. “I must say I can only imagine what you may have heard or read over the past few weeks,” Harry said in regards to some of the rumors surrounding the controversy. “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 many of you have watched grow up over the past 35 years,” he continued.

“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,” Harry said, possibly referring to fact that the couple must now give up their royal titles and pay back millions of pounds in an agreement with the Queen. “What I want to make clear is we’re not walking away,” continued Harry, adding that the couple hoped to, “continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military association, without public funding.”

Harry stated that he has, “the utmost respect,” for the Queen, and thanked the rest of the royal family, claiming that they supported he and Meghan for their decision. This is in contrast with other rumors surrounding the step back, which claimed that Prince Charles and Prince Williams were, “incandescent with rage,” about the couple’s decision. “We are taking a leap of faith, so thank you for giving me the courage to take this next step,” concluded the prince.

A video of the full speech was posted to the couple’s official Instagram page, which can be viewed below.