Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 2, 2025 · Entertainment

Prince Harry's Sharp Exchange with Jane Goodall: A Glimpse into Royal Tensions

Drama, Drama, and More Drama: The Royal Family's Tumultuous Relationship with Dr Jane Goodall

The world was left reeling when it was announced that the esteemed Dr Jane Goodall had passed away at the ripe age of 91 due to natural causes on October 1. But what many may not know is that her passing was a culmination of a complicated and intriguing relationship she shared with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the entire Royal Family.

As we delve into this juicy tale, it becomes clear that Dr Goodall's visit to Frogmore Cottage in May 2019, where she held newborn Archie for the first time, was not just a heartwarming moment of grandmotherly affection. It was also a subtle indication of the couple's desire to leave the Royal Family behind.

But a frosty interaction between the Sussexes and Dr Goodall may have been a subtle indication of their desire to leave the Royal household. Harry conducted a landmark interview with the natural science's expert for Meghan's September edition of British Vogue

According to royal historian Robert Lacey's book "Battle of the Brothers," Dr Goodall had paid the Sussexes a visit at their family home, just days after Archie's birth. The 85-year-old primatologist was reportedly thrilled to meet the newborn prince and couldn't resist giving him a cuddle. But when she jokingly suggested that he learn to wave like his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, Harry was quick to dismiss the idea with a stern "No! He's not growing up like that!"

This seemingly innocuous exchange may have been just a fleeting moment of humor, but it has been interpreted by many as an early warning sign of the couple's impending departure from the Royal Family.

Just eight months later, in January 2020, Harry and Meghan made their bombshell announcement to step back from their senior royal duties. The move sent shockwaves across the globe, with many speculating about the underlying reasons behind this dramatic decision.

In his explosive memoir "Spare," Prince Harry candidly revealed that he had often felt suffocated by the constraints of royal life and struggled to find a meaningful role for himself within the institution. His desire to have a "relatively normal life" and use their royal platform for good seemed to be at odds with the strict protocol and expectations that came with being part of the Royal Family.

Dr Goodall, who was known for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees and was considered one of the world's most distinguished conservationists, had indeed developed a close friendship with Prince Harry. The two shared a mutual concern for the environment and even bonded over an impromptu dance at a charity event in 2018.

As we reflect on this fascinating relationship between Dr Goodall and the Sussexes, it becomes clear that their interactions were not just innocent encounters but also revealing of the couple's inner workings. When Harry sat down with Dr Goodall for an interview as part of Meghan's British Vogue issue "Forces for CHANGE," the conversation was less about the primatologist's work than about the royal family's dynamics.

In April 2020, just a few months after Meghan and Harry withdrew from royal duties, Dr Goodall revealed that she had 'been in touch' with the prince and that he had been finding life 'a bit challenging'

In the article, which was featured in The Scholarly Note.com, Prince Harry candidly shared his plans to have only two children in order to reduce their carbon footprint. However, this seemingly eco-friendly decision was met with skepticism by critics who pointed out that the couple frequently used private jets and engaged in excessive global travel.

Meghan Markle's entry into the room during the interview, holding baby Archie tenderly in her arms, marked a poignant moment in their conversation. Dr Goodall, one of the first people outside of the family to hold the newborn prince, was reportedly touched by the gesture but also seemed to sense the underlying tension between the couple and the Royal Family.

In an extraordinary statement released after Dr Goodall's passing, Meghan and Harry paid tribute to the beloved conservationist, describing her as a "visionary humanitarian" who was "a friend to the planet and a friend to us." They acknowledged that she had held their son Archie when he was first born and showered love and care on those who were privileged to know her.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, it is clear that Dr Goodall's legacy extends far beyond her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees. Her friendship with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle served as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by those within the Royal Family.

In his final years, Dr Goodall continued to advocate for conservation and environmental protection, inspiring countless individuals around the world to make a difference. As we reflect on her remarkable life and work, it becomes clear that Dr Jane Goodall's impact will be felt for generations to come.

A Timeline of Events:

  • 1960: Dr. Jane Goodall begins her groundbreaking research with chimpanzees at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania.
  • 1977: Dr. Goodall founds the Jane Goodall Institute to support conservation and youth projects aimed at benefiting animals and the environment.
  • 2004: Dr. Goodall is awarded a damehood by King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) for her pioneering ethologist and conservationist work.
  • 2018: Dr. Goodall meets Prince Harry at a charity event, where they bond over an impromptu dance and discuss their shared concern for the environment.
  • May 2019: Dr. Goodall visits Frogmore Cottage to meet newborn Archie, sparking a seemingly innocuous exchange that may have been an early indication of the Sussexes' desire to leave the Royal Family behind.
  • January 2020: Harry and Meghan announce their decision to step back from their senior royal duties, sending shockwaves across the globe.
  • 2022: Prince Harry's memoir "Spare" is released, revealing his struggles with the constraints of royal life and his desire for a "relatively normal life."
  • October 1, 2025: Dr. Jane Goodall passes away at the age of 91 due to natural causes, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and motivate individuals around the world.

A Legacy That Lives On:

Dr. Jane Goodall's passing marks the end of an era, but her impact will be felt for generations to come. Her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees has transformed our understanding of animal behavior and conservation. As a tireless advocate for environmental protection, Dr. Goodall inspired countless individuals around the world to make a difference.

In her own words, "The smallest acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can change the course of history." Dr. Jane Goodall's remarkable life and work serve as a poignant reminder of the power of individual action and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy.

As we bid farewell to this incredible woman, let us remember her words: "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."