Prince Harry addressed rumors of his relationship with Meghan Markle during the DealBook Summit in New York, dismissed claims of marital problems and expressed pity for online trolls.
He also emphasized his family’s decision to stay in the US for the safety of his children and his ongoing legal battle in the UK over safety.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle dazzled at The Paley Honors in Beverly Hills, supporting Tyler Perry while stunning in a strapless Oscar de la Renta gown, as Harry completed his New York engagements.
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Prince Harry dismisses divorce rumors and trashes trolls
Harry recently attended the DealBook Summit in New York as a keynote speaker, while his wife Meghan Markle Meghan attended a gala in Los Angeles with Tyler Perry.
Speaking to Harry, event founder Andrew Ross Sorkin addressed the public’s obsession with their relationship.
According to Daily MailSorkin addressed the speculation surrounding their separate appearances, saying, “They’re fascinated that Meghan is in California right now, and you’re here. There are articles left and right about, ‘Why are you doing stand-alone events? Why don’t you do them together?”
But the Duke of Sussex dismissed the rumours, joking: “Apparently we’ve bought or moved houses 10, 12 times. We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10 or 12 times too. So it’s just like ‘what?’.”
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The prince went on to address trolls online, saying he feels “genuinely sorry” for those who eagerly spread false rumours, adding: “Their hopes are just built and built and it’s like ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, ‘ and then it doesn’t happen, so I really feel sorry for them.
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Prince Harry says he’s seen stories about himself that aren’t ‘based on reality’
When Sorkin asked Harry why he was in New York instead of Los Angeles with Meghan, Harry joked: “Because you invited me – you should have known.”
The conversation then turned to the public’s intense interest in their relationship. Sorkin pointed out how quickly speculation arises when the pair are seen apart.
“Is that normal for you?” he asked. “The other article — she’s in California, you’re in New York — they say, ‘Well, what’s going on with these two, right?’ Is it a good thing for you, in a way, that there is so much interest in you.”
However, Harry brushed off the persistent divorce rumors and reflected on the effects of media scrutiny.
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“I’ve had a lived experience since I was little. I’ve seen stories written about myself that aren’t based on reality. I’ve seen stories about family members, friends, strangers, all kinds of people,” he said.
“And I think when you grow up in that environment, you find yourself questioning the validity of the information but also what other people think about it as well, and how dangerous it can be over time,” Harry added.
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Prince Harry discusses family life in US and legal battle over security at DealBook summit
Speaking at the DealBook summit, Harry stressed that he and Meghan have no intention of returning to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, and said the decision to stay in the US was rooted in ensuring his children’s safety.
“I very much enjoy living here and raising my children here,” the prince said, highlighting the activities he enjoys with Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, which he “arguably wouldn’t be able to do in the UK.”
He added that his focus remains on “being the best husband and father that I can be.”
Harry remains in a legal battle with the UK Home Office over the removal of his police protection as the couple stepped back from royal duties.
Although Harry lost the first case, he plans to appeal in April, arguing that his security “should never have been removed.”
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Meghan Markle stuns in Oscar de la Renta dress at Paley Honors Gala supported by Tyler Perry
On the other hand, Meghan stunned during a solo performance at The Paley Honors Gala in Beverly Hills, held at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel, when she turned heads in a strapless black Oscar de la Renta gown with a dramatic front slit paired with strappy Celine heels.
The Duchess of Sussex completed the look with a Logan Hollowell diamond necklace, Lorraine Schwartz and Engender rings and a Cartier Love bracelet in gold.
Meghan, who is part of the Tribute Host Committee Chairs alongside Harry, attended the event to support Tyler Perry, a close friend and longtime ally of the Sussexes, as he received the prestigious Paley Honors Award for his remarkable career in directing, acting and philanthropy.
Harry, who was originally listed as part of the Paley Honors event, was in New York that evening.
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The Sussexes are planning a ‘joyful’ Christmas together
Despite their solo outings, Harry and Meghan are said to be preparing to celebrate Christmas at their home in Montecito, with their children and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, after being barred from the royal family’s traditional festivities at Sandringham.
An insider shared with Closer Magazine that the couple is focused on creating a magical and memorable vacation for their little ones.
“Meghan’s mother Doria will join them at home in Montecito and they will make sure the children have a happy day, even though they are not in an extended family,” the source said, adding that the lack of an invitation to join the royals did not was no surprise to the Sussexes.
