Royals’ bank bash speech raises questions
Prince Harry and wife Meghan have emerged in public together for the first time since stepping down from the British royal family, appearing at an American bank event.
The couple were guests at a gathering in Miami hosted by J P Morgan, part of the largest bank in the US. Their appearance at such a blue-chip event, where Harry was one of the speakers, has prompted speculation about whether they were paid to turn up, and if so, how much.
Former British prime minister Theresa May recently declared a payment of £75,000 from J P Morgan Chase, the parent company, for a speech. In December, she received £100,000 plus expenses from financial services company UBS Switzerland AG.
The event on Friday in Miami’s South Beach was about 4800 kilometres from where Harry and Meghan have been staying on Vancouver Island in Canada with their 9-month-old son, Archie. A source told the New York Post: "It was all very hush-hush, with a lot of security.’’
According to the newspaper, the event was a J P Morgansponsored alternative investment summit, attended by ‘‘a host of billionaires’’.
Meghan was reportedly introduced by broadcaster Gayle King, a friend of the couple, and said a few words about her love for her husband before introducing Harry, who is said to have spoken in emotional terms about losing his mother.
The source said: ‘‘Harry spoke about mental health and how he has been in therapy for the past few years to try to overcome the trauma of losing his mother.
‘‘He talked about how the events of his childhood affected him, and that he has been talking to a mental health professional.
‘‘Harry also touched on
Megxit, saying while it has been very difficult on him and Meghan, he does not regret their decision to step down as senior royals because he wants to protect his family. He does not want Meghan and their son Archie to go through what he did as a child.’’
The couple are said to have stayed with Meghan’s friend, tennis star Serena Williams, in nearby Palm Beach.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said they want to be financially independent as part of their new roles, and to no longer use their royal titles. It remains unclear how they will support themselves.
They will no longer receive any money from the sovereign grant, the taxpayer money that supports the royal family’s official duties. Harry’s father, Prince Charles, has said he will support them for the next year. although it is uncertain what will happen after that.
How well making speeches for American banks goes down with the rest of the royal family is another question. The palace has agreed to a one-year transition period to agree the terms of the couple’s departure.