Boris Johnson's failed attempt to keep Prince Harry in the UK

In January 2020, Boris Johnson, the then Prime Minister of the UK, was asked to intervene in Prince Harry's decision to step back from royal duties. This request came from officials at Buckingham Palace and Downing Street, who believed Johnson could persuade the Duke of Sussex to reconsider his choice. The meeting took place during a UK-Africa investment summit in London, where the two men had a 20-minute private conversation without aides present. Johnson described the situation as a 'ridiculous business' and noted that his efforts were ultimately 'totally hopeless.' During their discussion, Johnson praised Harry's contributions, particularly his work with the Invictus Games and Meghan's advocacy for women's education. Despite these compliments, Prince Harry remained resolute in his decision to leave the UK with Meghan and their son, Archie. The meeting occurred just a day before the couple's departure to North America, marking a significant moment in the history of the British royal family. The context of this meeting was heightened by the ongoing tensions within the royal family, particularly regarding media scrutiny and personal privacy. Harry had expressed feelings of being trapped and the need for a new life away from royal duties. The conversation between Johnson and Harry was seen as a last-ditch effort to maintain the Duke's royal role, but it ultimately failed to change Harry's mind. This episode illustrates the complex interplay between the monarchy and the government, as well as the challenges faced by the royal family in adapting to modern expectations and pressures.