Emotional Prince Harry says he quit the royal family 'to protect son Archie'

Prince Harry reportedly told a conference in the US he feared for son Archie and wanted to protect him from a childhood like his own.

In Harry's first public appearance since leaving royal life he is said to have told the Miami gathering he has been in therapy over the death of his mother Princess Diana for the past three years.

Wife Meghan Markle did not speak at the JP Morgan-sponsored Alternative Investment event.

But she was said to have been introduced to the crowd, and then watched as Prince Harry opened up about his personal life to a crowd of investors and billionaires.

He even touched on Megxit, according to a source at the event, who told Page Six that Harry described the furore over the pair's relocation to Canada and exit from royal life as 'difficult'.

The source told Page Six: “Harry spoke about mental health and how he has been in therapy for the past few years to try to overcome the trauma of losing his mother.

“He talked about how the events of his childhood affected him and that he has been talking to a mental health professional.

“Harry also touched on Megxit, saying while it has been very difficult on him and Meghan, he does not regret their decision to step down as senior royals because he wants to protect his family. He does not want Meghan and their son Archie to go through what he did as a child.”

A source at the talk told DailyMail.com: "Harry told the audience he started seeing a therapist at 28 as he struggled with the trauma caused by his mother's death."

Harry first opened up about receiving counselling in 2017, when he spoke about his mental health struggles for the first time.

The young royal explained how he "shut down all his emotions" in the years after his mother's tragic car crash death, despite his brother, Prince William, trying to persuade him to seek help.

He finally sought that help in his late twenties, and told the Americans grouped to hear his speech that he was still seeking counselling.

US reports speculate Meghan and Harry were likely paid for their appearance at the event, where they were introduced to the wealthy attendees by US TV personality Gayle King.

The outgoing Duke and Duchess of Sussex were both at the JP Morgan event at the swanky Sh195, 000 (£1,500)-a-night 1 Hotel in Miami’s South Beach.

A source told the New York Post: “It was all very hush-hush, with a lot of security."

The couple have been avoiding the media glare since their bombshell announcement last month that they would be "stepping back" from royal duties.

They have since relocated with baby Archie to Canada, after the Queen gave her reluctant blessing.

They will divide their time between the UK and the Commonwealth country, American former actress Meghan's former home when she filmed legal drama Suits.

Megxit has been a complicated affair for Buckingham Palace, which has sought deals with the couple amid public backlash over the potential cost of their new life to the taxpayer.

The Palace is also said to have been negotiating agreements to ensure any commercial deals they do strike in their bid to become financially independent does not cause blow-back for the Royal Family.

Experts have speculated the couple could strike deals worth millions as they begin their new life.

Some have speculated that Meghan alone could make Sh10 billion (£77m) this year if she accepts lucrative commercial and speaking deals.