Chef José Andrés has officially distanced himself from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, opting instead for a more promising royal ally—Prince William.
Andrés, who was once closely associated with the Sussexes, has shifted his support to William's Earthshot Prize initiative. Previously, Andrés was seen as a golden boy to the Sussexes. They generously funded his organization, World Central Kitchen, with hundreds of thousands of dollars, and their mutual admiration was palpable. Harry and Meghan often referred to Andrés as a longtime friend and partner, while Andrés described them as dear friends who infused hope and empathy into every community.
Now, Chef Andrés stands alongside Prince William and Sir David Attenborough for the Earthshot Prize, a prestigious program that awards $5 million to innovators tackling climate change. This is a significant shift, especially considering Harry's 2020 remarks in which he mocked Earthshot's approach. He had dismissively told pranksters pretending to be Greta Thunberg that small awards like Earthshot were inconsequential, a stance at odds with his later acceptance of various accolades for his own efforts.
In contrast, Prince William's Earthshot Prize is making notable strides in environmental conservation. While the Sussexes have been known for their grand gestures, such as donating drums to a school in Colombia, Earthshot focuses on empowering genuine innovators with practical solutions. Chef Andrés clearly prefers to be involved in something with real impact, rather than participating in performative gestures.
The defection of Andrés to Earthshot is a blow to Harry and Meghan, reflecting the shifting dynamics between the royal brothers. According to a reputation management consultant, this move highlights the imbalance of influence and prestige. While Harry and Meghan struggle to remain relevant, William is successfully attracting high-profile supporters. Andrés, who was heavily promoted by the Sussexes during the pandemic, has now chosen to align with William's more impactful initiative.
This change underscores Andrés's preference for tangible results over superficial appearances. His hands-on approach with World Central Kitchen contrasts sharply with the Sussexes' often performative philanthropy. Despite their high-profile donations, Harry and Meghan have been criticized for their lack of behind-the-scenes involvement. Andrés's shift to Earthshot, which promises meaningful environmental change, aligns with his values and enhances his public image.
In summary, Chef José Andrés has made a strategic and thoughtful decision. By supporting Earthshot, he not only aligns with a program focused on substantive environmental progress but also gains positive publicity for both himself and Prince William's initiative. Meanwhile, the Sussexes are left grappling with the departure of another influential ally, as Andrés moves towards more promising and prestigious opportunities.
