Prince Harry Admits He 'Wanted Out' of the Royal Family: 'I Spent Many Years Kicking My Heels'

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Not everyone thinks living a life of royalty is all it's cracked up to be -- even Prince Harry.

The 32-year-old royal sat opened up for a remarkably candid interview with journalist Angelina Levin, and admitted that, at a certain point in his life, he considered leaving his life behind and striking out on his own as a commoner.


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"I spent many years kicking my heels and I didn't want to grow up," Harry said, of his infamous period of partying during his 20s. "I felt I wanted out, but then decided to stay in and work
out a role for myself."

It turns out that one of the most profound decisions in his life came when he chose to join the Army, which he served in for 10 years and called "the best escape I've ever had."

However, in 2007, Harry had spent weeks in Afghanistan's Helmand province when his position was revealed by the media and he was forced to pull out from involvement, which he said made his "very resentful."


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"I had felt as though I was really achieving something," he said of his time in the military. "I have a deep understanding of all sorts of people from different backgrounds and I felt I was part of a team… I wasn't a Prince, I was just Harry."

After leaving the service, Harry decided to dedicate his time, his efforts and his fame to helping others. From servicemen coming home with physical and mental injuries to various mental health causes around the world, Harry has channeled his energy into finding a way to use his royal title in a way that leaves a lasting, positive mark.

He spoke strongly about the future of the British Monarchy, explaining that no one in the Royal Family wants to use their influence for frivolity. "[We] don’t want to be just a bunch of celebrities, but instead use our role for good," Harry said.


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"We want to make sure the monarchy lasts and are passionate about what it stands for," he continued. "But it can't go on as it has done under the Queen. There will be changes and pressure to get them right…things are moving so fast, especially because of social media, so we are involved in modernizing the monarchy."

Harry, who is fifth in line for the throne, recently opened up about the death of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was 12 years old and how he sought professional help to cope with the loss. Watch the video below to hear more.

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