Prince Harry has insisted he enjoys “a lot of support from the British public,” just days after meeting King Charles for the first time in 19 months.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, made the remark in a candid interview with The Guardian during his visit to war-torn Ukraine on Tuesday, where he reflected on the intense scrutiny he has faced since leaving the UK in 2020.

Pushback Against Negative Press

Harry has been a frequent target of criticism, particularly after publishing his memoir Spare in 2023, which included revelations about family rifts, personal struggles, and accusations against Queen Camilla of leaking stories to the press.

Despite the backlash, Harry argued there is a clear divide between what the press writes and how the public truly views him. “Even now, when I feel like I have been destroyed by certain members of the British press, I feel endorsed by the UK people,” he said.

Battle With the Media

Harry is currently suing Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, alongside campaigner Doreen Lawrence and singer Elton John. The trial is scheduled to begin in January.

Speaking on the role of the media, he remarked: “It serves them (the press) to think that the British public feels the same way about me as they do. But I don’t feel that and I don’t see that. For as long as I have known, certain elements of the British press have tried to speak on behalf of the nation. I think they are out of touch with the nation on lots of things. They hope to bring the public with them, but…I think the British public can speak and think for themselves.”

Life in California and Future in the UK

The Duke also dismissed claims that he is unhappy in California, insisting that narratives portraying him as miserable are “wrong.” Still, he admitted he would like to find a better balance between his life in Montecito and his ongoing commitments in the UK.

Reflecting on his recent visit, he shared that reconnecting with charitable causes “is hard to do from far away,” but said last week’s experiences “definitely brought that closer.”

Reunion With King Charles

Harry’s remarks follow his long-awaited reunion with King Charles at Clarence House, where the two spent 54 minutes together over tea. Reports suggest Harry brought along photos of his children, Archie and Lilibet, who have not seen their grandfather in several years.

Insiders said the Duke showed his strongest effort yet to mend family ties during the visit. One source told the Mirror: “It’s become clear that Harry now regrets some of his actions. He wants to reset his relationship with his family and with the people of the UK. It’s hard to see (Harry) ever coming back to live in Britain, but this may be the start of something that at least allows them to be a functioning wider family again.”