“He is looking at ways to protect Meghan and he is worried aboutArchie,” a royal insider tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “He wants to protect his nest, and this is the only way he can think of doing so.”

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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor

Harry also evoked the memory of his late mother, Princess Diana, in his Oct. 1 statement, saying: “Though this action may not be the safe one, it is the right one. Because my deepest fear is history repeating itself. I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person. I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.

“We thank you, the public, for your continued support. It is hugely appreciated. Although it may not seem like it, we really need it.”

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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

The royal couple’s aggressive moves have come as a surprise to even palace aides, including those who work with other members of the royal family. Some insiders said the timing distracted from the positive work Meghan, 38, and Harry, 35, achieved during their 10-day tour of Africa.

“This is a separate and private issue that has been willfully introduced and has sabotaged some of the great work they were doing,” says historian Robert Lacey.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Chris Jackson/Getty

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

But for Harry and Meghan, who are funding the legal actions themselves, there was no choice. “To stand back and do nothing,” said Harry, “would be contrary to everything we believe in.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

AlthoughPrince Harrydidn’t directly address the statement, he gave apowerful speechon the final day of their tour of Africa.

“We will firmly stand up for what we believe,” he told those gathered in Tembisa, a township near Johannesburg in South Africa. “We are fortunate enough to have a position that gives us amazing opportunities, and we will do everything that we can to play our part in building a better world.”

“We will always seek to challenge injustice and to speak out for those who may feel unheard,”Prince Harrycontinued. “So no matter your background, your nationality, your age or gender, your sexuality, your physical ability, no matter your circumstance or color of your skin — we believe in you, and we intend to spend our entire lives making sure you have the opportunity to succeed and change the world.”

source: people.com