Though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle s announcement that they were stepping back as senior members of the royal family came as a shock to many last week, Harrys frustration with The Firm goes back years.

While some, like Princess Dianas former royal chef Darren McGrady, blamed Meghan for Harrys decision to leave , the Duke of Sussex has routinely expressed his disdain for the difficulties that come with being born a royal. In a candid interview with Newsweek in 2017, Harry spoke about struggling with his status.

My mother died when I was very young. I didnt want to be in the position I was in, but I eventually pulled my head out of the sand, started listening to people and decided to use my role for good, he said at the time. I sometimes still feel I am living in a goldfish bowl, but I now manage it better.

He also admitted that no one in the royal family actually wants the throne, saying that those in power are doing it for the greater good of the people.