Prince Harry revealed that he almost “wanted out” of the British monarchy, and we get why

In his latest open and candid move, Prince Harry has shared how he “wanted out” of the monarchy at one point in his life, and we totally get where he’s coming from.

While being royalty of course has its perks, we know from Harry’s previous interviews that he’s struggled immensely with the fame and expectations that are weighed on him. The 32-year-old has recently shared how, after the sad passing of his mother 20 years ago, he suffered from panic attacks, and has spoken about his own struggles with mental wellness.

Now in a new interview with The Mail on Sunday, Prince Harry has shared how there were times when he wanted to quit the monarchy.

Harry said that for years he was partying too much and getting into trouble because he didn’t want to grow up.

“I felt I wanted out but then decided to stay in and work out a role for myself,” he admitted.

It was his grandmother, her royal highness Queen Elizabeth II, who helped convince Harry to stick it out.

“[My Family and I] don’t want to be just a bunch of celebrities,” he explained, “but instead use our role for good.”

Harry recalled a moment in 2008 when the press revealed that he was serving with the British Army in Afghanistan. The revelation led to him having to leave the country and return to the United Kingdom.

“I felt very resentful,” he said. “Being in the Army was the best escape I’ve ever had. I felt as though I was really achieving something.I have a deep understanding of all sorts of people from different backgrounds and felt I was part of a team. [In the Army] I wasn’t a Prince, I was just Harry.” 

But now Harry has embraced his role of prince, and, along with his brother William, is hoping to modernize the monarchy.

Unfortunately for you @FLOTUS and @POTUS I wasn't alone when you sent me that video 😉 – H.https://t.co/sjfSQvkzb6

— The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) April 29, 2016

“We want to make sure the Monarchy lasts and are passionate about what it stands for,” he said. “But it can’t go on as it has done under the Queen. There will be changes and pressure to get them right.”

Part of this, we’re sure, comes with his, Prince William, and Kate Middleton’s Heads Together campaign, which aims to “help people feel much more comfortable with their everyday mental wellbeing,” and support those with mental health problems.

While there’s still a lot of mystery surrounding the royal family, we’re so glad that Harry is allowing some of those walls to drop.