Prince Harry has compared his experience being a UK royal to the popular British TV series “Downton Abbey” during his speech at the British-American Business Council’s 65th Annual Christmas Luncheon in Santa Monica, California on Friday via NY Post.
“People sometimes ask if growing up with the royal family was a bit like Julian’s ‘Downton Abbey,’” Harry said, according to People.
“Yeah, but only one of those worlds is filled with drama, intrigue, elaborate dinners [and] marriages to Americans — and the other is a TV show,” the Duke of Sussex said.
“Downton Abbey,” created by Julian Fellowes, is a series about an aristocratic family living in a grand English country estate during the early 20th century. The show aired on ITV from 2010 to 2015 and has since inspired three films, including “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” which was released earlier this year.
Prince Harry is currently estranged from his family, including his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince William. This rift began after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to California.
During a Christmas luncheon, Harry, who shares Archie and Princess Lilibet, with Markle, spoke about what it’s like to live in the United States as a British citizen.
“For me, being British isn’t about where you physically stand, but what you stand for,” he said to the crowd, before explaining what it’s been like celebrating Fourth of July in America.
“It’s a new world to me, celebrating independence from Britain, and more specifically, independence from my great, great, great, great, great, great-grandfather,” Harry shared.
Harry has returned to the UK numerous times since his permanent move, including in September when he and his father, met for the first time in more than a year.
Following the meeting, Harry told reporters that Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, is “doing great.”
Harry was also in London in April for a two-day court hearing for his case against the UK government to win back taxpayer-funded security for him and his family.
As he lost his appeal in the case, Harry told the BBC that he “would love to reconcile” with his family.
“There have been so many disagreements between myself and some of my family,” Harry said, adding that he’s since “forgiven” them.
“There’s no point continuing to fight anymore, life is precious,” he noted.
