London: Prince Harry has said he and his wife Meghan Markle had 'really no other option' but to step back as senior royals after 'many years of challenges,' even as he expressed 'great sadness' after being stripped of their royal titles.

In his first personal statement after a formal split from the royal family was finalised by Queen Elizabeth II, the 35-year-old Duke of Sussex said when he and his American actress wife were married they were 'excited' and 'hopeful.'