Prince Harry Says He Was 'Cut Off' Financially by Family

Prince Harry revealed that the royal family "literally cut me off financially" after he and Meghan Markle stepped back as working royals.

Speaking with Oprah Winfrey in their tell-all interview that aired Sunday, Prince Harry said the idea of deals with Spotify and Netflix came after "my family literally cut me off financially."

For more on how the Royal Family is reacting to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah, listen below to the episode of PEOPLE Every Day.

Harry said that he was cut off in the first quarter of 2020 — shortly after he and Meghan announced they would step back as senior members of the royal family. He added that he had the money left to him by his late mother, Princess Diana.

"Without that, we wouldn't have been able to do this," he said, likely referring to the family's move to California.

The Duke of Sussex added, "All I wanted was enough money to get security and keep my family safe."

RELATED: Prince Harry Says He and Meghan Markle Did Not 'Blindside' Queen About Royal Exit

PHIL HARRIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images The royal family on Commonwealth Day in 2020

During the interview, Prince Harry denied reports that his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, and father, Prince Charles, were surprised by his and Meghan's decision to step back as senior members of the royal family.

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During the couple's interview with Oprah Winfrey on Sunday, the TV host asked if they "blindsided" the monarch by releasing a statement in Jan. 2020 about stepping back to the public.

"No, I never blindsided my grandmother," Harry said. "I have too much respect for her."

The prince continued that he had three conversations about the subject with the Queen and two conversations with Prince Charles — "before he stopped taking my calls."

Prince Charles then asked Prince Harry to put their plan in writing. Harry did, including telling his family the date that they planned to announced the news.

Meghan and Prince Harry announced in Jan. 2020 that they intended to "step back as senior members of the Royal Family" and split their time between the U.K. and North America.

Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey

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Less than a week after the couple announced that they are expecting their second child, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the couple will officially not be returning to their royal roles. The announcement came a few weeks shy of their 12-month review period.

"While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family," the Buckingham Palace announcement said.