In a candid moment at The New York Times' DealBook Summit, Prince Harry set the record straight on divorce rumors, revealing he's responded to speculation about his marriage with Meghan Markle at least '10, 12 times' before.

Prince Harry's frank admission sheds light on the relentless scrutiny surrounding his six-year marriage to Meghan Markle, highlighting how constant rumors have led to public misunderstandings about their relationship. While the couple remains dedicated to their humanitarian efforts and each other, Harry's plea for people to stop building fantasies on tabloid fabrications underscores the uncomfortable reality of living under a magnifying glass—and that even royals have to periodically address the rumor mill. Perhaps next time, they'll just drop a royal press release to save everyone some time.

In a society where every minor detail of a public figure's life is dissected and dissected again, Prince Harry is feeling the pinch. This latest round of speculation regarding his marriage to Meghan Markle, which has been on the tabloids’ front pages more times than anyone could aptly count, prompted the Duke of Sussex to voice his frustration. At the DealBook Summit, he conveyed the repetitive nature of these rumors, stating that they have been linked with divorce '10, 12 times' over the years. In the world of gossip, that’s practically a trilogy.

During his address, Harry noted that this intense public scrutiny surrounding his marriage is 'definitely not a good thing.' One can only imagine how temperamental relationships become when the entire world feels entitled to speculate about their next moves, like a reality show without any of the redeeming qualities of proper entertainment—unless, of course, you find the tragedy of a celebrity’s personal life amusing.

To add a light touch of sympathy to the mix, Harry expressed regret for those who cling to these rumors, stating he feels sorry for 'those who build hopes based on rumors about [his] marriage.' Perhaps next time, the tabloids could consider a different pastime for their readers. Suggestions include knitting or learning to bake bread—far less stressful pursuits than tracking the ups and downs of royal relationships.

Harry and Meghan, who sealed their commitment on May 19, 2018, are parents to two adorable kids: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The couple has taken quite the leap since their royal ceremonial days, stepping down from their senior royal duties in 2020 and trading the often chilly atmosphere of palace life for the sunny skies of California.

Since their move, they’ve made it abundantly clear that their allegiance lies with supporting each other's philanthropic endeavors. Even amid swirling gossip, friends say that their commitment to humanitarian efforts has shone brighter than the tabloids’ incessant clickbait stories. No, they don't just hold hands in photo ops; they are engaged in numerous initiatives, investing their time and resources in causes that genuinely matter to them.

This recent dialogue at the DealBook Summit shines a light on the curious relationship the public has with celebrity lives. If Prince Harry’s concern was a hallmark of the pressures royalty faces, then one might suggest a new trend: a formal public bulletin service to counteract these rampant rumors. Imagine receiving a weekly update that clearly states, "In this edition, please note: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain happily married. Thank you for your cooperation."

Ultimately, while Prince Harry’s plea for privacy and understanding is notable, it speaks to a larger societal issue—our collective fascination with the perceived failure of an otherwise extraordinary union. Unfortunately, as long as the tabloid machine cranks out clicks and sales, these fabrications will likely persist. If the prince and his wife are enduring this much scrutiny, then their marriage truly is the royal family’s most perplexing soap opera. But rest assured, with every baseless allegation comes a new chance for them to remind the world that they are more than just subjects of rumor—they are a family, raising their children outside the spotlight as much as possible.

In a frenzy of digital commentary, perhaps tone-deaf pop culture references will fade just as fast as they appear. Meanwhile, one can only hope that the media will find something new and shiny to dissect. Until then, Prince Harry will continue to remind us all that his relationship status isn't a reality competition, and his marriage isn't a public vote. So stop building those hopes, dear public, because Harry and Meghan are here for the long haul—or, at the very least, as long as the tabloids are willing to keep the fantasy alive.