Prince Harry is preparing for his much-anticipated appearance at Bill Clinton’s annual New York Summit, where he'll be mingling with high-profile figures like actor Matt Damon and chef José Andrés, who recently joined Prince William’s prestigious Earthshot Prize initiative.
This significant event, set for September 23rd and 24th, will see Harry take the stage to discuss his latest venture with Meghan Markle under the Archwell Foundation. Their project, the "Parents Network," focuses on supporting parents affected by online harms and violence against children.
According to rumors, Harry is reportedly anxious about his public speaking skills. To avoid any potential embarrassment, he’s reportedly hired a former presidential speechwriter, paying a sum that allegedly exceeds what he’ll earn for his speaking engagement. This move, perceived by some as a desperate attempt to ensure a polished performance, has raised eyebrows. By outsourcing his speech, Harry seemingly hopes to avoid the pitfalls of relying solely on his own words. Critics are already speculating on whether he will be able to deliver the speech smoothly without stumbling.
It’s almost ironic that Harry would feel the need to hire a professional for a task that he’s being paid to do, fueling speculation about his competence. The speechwriter, reportedly paid a hefty sum, has been instructed to keep the speech concise and avoid overly complex language. Apparently, any words with more than three syllables are seen as potentially overwhelming for the Duke, who has been the subject of both admiration and mockery in recent years. Given the couple’s history of carefully managed public appearances, some wonder if Meghan had a hand in orchestrating this move, considering their previous PR stunts and controlled narratives.
Interestingly, Meghan Markle has not been spotted alongside Harry at this Clinton Foundation event. This absence has sparked curiosity, as one would expect Meghan, who has maintained a friendly relationship with Hillary Clinton, to seize the opportunity to engage with the former Secretary of State or at least be seen alongside Bill Clinton. Her decision to stay away has led to speculation that all may not be well in their relationship, adding to the ongoing tabloid frenzy that has surrounded the couple since their departure from royal duties.
The most significant takeaway from Harry’s decision to hire external help is the apparent disregard for Meghan’s own talents. By choosing to rely on a professional rather than Meghan, who has previously been praised for her writing, Harry could be seen as undermining her abilities. This move may suggest that Harry doesn’t have faith in Meghan’s contributions to his public image, a subtle but telling act that some interpret as a sign of tension in their marriage. Additionally, the fact that he has reportedly spent more on the speechwriter than he stands to earn from the event adds a layer of irony to the situation.
Despite the anticipated smooth delivery of his speech, it is unlikely that a polished performance will change the public’s perception of Harry. Many still view him as an overhyped figure whose recent actions and speeches have done little to elevate his status beyond that of a controversial celebrity. While his speeches may sound polished, they may not be enough to erase the ridicule and skepticism surrounding his public persona. The royal family, which kept Harry in the background for much of his life, may have had a reason for doing so, as his current efforts to remain relevant often fall flat.
Ultimately, Harry’s desire to compete with his more accomplished brother, Prince William, only serves to highlight his own insecurities and shortcomings. Despite elaborate efforts to craft a compelling public image, Harry continues to be seen by many as a figure of amusement rather than serious influence. No matter how polished his speeches or how much he spends on professional help, it seems unlikely that he will be able to escape the shadow of his more successful sibling. Instead of trying to outshine William, Harry may be better off accepting his role and focusing on more meaningful endeavors rather than attempting to upstage his brother at every turn.
