Prince Harry has recently been making headlines in New York City, passionately advocating for various causes that honor the legacy of his late mother, Princess Diana.
However, his latest appearance at the Clinton Global Initiative is shaping up to be more contentious than collegial. The guest list reads like a who's who of global leaders, including former President Bill Clinton, his daughter Chelsea Clinton, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and conservationist Dame Jane Goodall. Yet, the inclusion of broadcaster Katie Couric could turn this encounter into an uncomfortable affair.
Couric has a history with Harry that complicates matters; in her memoir, Going There, she did not shy away from detailing her interactions with him, often painting him in an unflattering light. Notably, she described Harry, then a fresh-faced 27-year-old, as reeking of cigarettes and alcohol, with the odor emanating from every pore. One can only imagine how Harry feels about this less-than-flattering depiction lingering over him like a shadow. As he prepares to tackle serious global issues, the irony is palpable. Although Harry is ostensibly advocating for mental health and various charitable causes, one can't help but recall Couric's last encounter with him—likely holding her breath in distaste.
Let’s not overlook Meghan Markle, who must be seething at the prospect of not being part of this prestigious panel. Earlier this year, Couric enjoyed the privilege of interviewing Meghan at South by Southwest (SXSW), where the Duchess captivated the audience with a rather mundane story about dish soap. Imagining Meghan's frustration at being sidelined while her husband takes the stage with heavyweight figures only adds to the drama; one can easily picture her simmering with jealousy as she’s reduced to the “ladies’ table.”
The question remains: what is Harry truly contributing to this panel? As he hops from one high-profile event to another, doubts linger about his genuine impact. While he may champion causes close to his heart, such as mental health initiatives and the sustainability-focused organization, Travelist, whispers in the wind suggest he may be more of a figurehead than a committed advocate. It’s difficult to take his message seriously when he advocates for sustainability while frequently flying in private jets.
Every time Harry speaks about his mother, it often feels more like a scripted monologue than a heartfelt tribute. Does he genuinely engage with these charities, or does he simply make an appearance every couple of years to deliver a poignant speech, leaving the actual heavy lifting to others? This pattern seems to embody the classic adage of "do as I say, not as I do," and many are growing weary of it.
Furthermore, the ongoing transformation of Travelist into a private air travel organization for the wealthy elite raises eyebrows. It seems that for Harry and Meghan, climate change is more of an afterthought than a pressing concern. If they were truly committed to environmental stewardship, one might expect them to reconsider their travel habits. However, this would necessitate a level of self-awareness that appears to be distinctly lacking.
