In the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Tech District, where innovation is often lauded, Prince Harry’s position as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp has sparked increasing scrutiny and skepticism.
Former employees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reveal a starkly different reality than the polished image portrayed in official communications.
One former senior executive humorously likened Harry’s presence to that of a cardboard cutout in the boardroom—an expensive one at that, with a reported annual cost of £1 million.
The genesis of this corporate adventure can be traced back to Meghan Markle, whose influence over Harry’s career choices is well documented.
Insiders suggest that Meghan was instrumental in securing a role that would elevate Harry’s status in the competitive landscape of Silicon Valley.
A former acquaintance noted that she insisted Harry needed a title that would make waves in the corporate world, highlighting the irony of his quest for corporate recognition after stepping away from royal titles.
Harry’s appointment in March 2021 was heralded by BetterUp with significant fanfare, akin to a major tech breakthrough.
The company touted his role as pivotal in promoting mental fitness and expanding global conversations around mental health.
However, when inquiries were made about his actual responsibilities, the responses were as vague as the fog that often blankets the Bay Area.
A former marketing manager recounted that during her eight months at the company, she only saw Harry twice on Zoom calls, where he appeared visibly uncomfortable while reading pre-prepared statements on mental health.
The sporadic nature of his appearances led to internal jokes among staff, who dubbed it “Spot the Prince.” Behind closed doors, however, tensions simmered regarding the culture surrounding Harry’s role.
Several ex-employees described an environment where deference to Harry’s suggestions was expected, almost as if they were etched in stone.
Additionally, Meghan occasionally joined meetings uninvited, offering her insights on branding and corporate direction, which some found surreal.
The hefty salary attached to his role has raised eyebrows, especially in an industry where many mental health professionals struggle financially.
Reports indicate that while Harry earns a staggering £1 million, numerous coaches on the platform barely scrape by with salaries around £30,000.
This disparity has left many questioning the ethics of such compensation, particularly when considering the essential work these mental health professionals do daily.
BetterUp’s defense of Harry’s position has been consistent yet vague, emphasizing his unique perspective and global influence.
However, internal communications suggest a more calculated motive.
A former communications director candidly admitted that having a prince on the payroll was primarily about the public relations boost it provided, rather than any substantial contributions to the company’s mission.
The situation becomes even more intriguing when viewed alongside the couple’s other ventures, such as their Netflix and Spotify deals, which have followed a similar trajectory of high-profile announcements but questionable outcomes.
A media analyst succinctly described this pattern as the “Meghan and Harry blueprint,” characterized by maximum publicity and minimal accountability.
Insiders assert that Meghan’s role transcends mere support; she effectively manages Harry’s public persona.
According to a source in the entertainment industry, every initiative and public statement undergoes her scrutiny first.
This dynamic raises questions about the authenticity of Harry’s role and whether it is genuinely impactful or merely a product of strategic branding.
The irony of Harry working for a mental health company is not lost on many, especially given his frequent discussions about the pressures of public life and family trauma.
Critics point out the cognitive dissonance in someone who advocates for mental well-being while drawing a hefty salary from a role perceived as lacking substance.
A mental health professional familiar with BetterUp’s operations remarked on the striking contradiction between Harry’s public persona and his corporate involvement.
As BetterUp continues to expand, concerns about Harry’s contributions linger.
Reports of high employee turnover, including the departure of several key executives, hint at underlying frustrations within the company.
While official statements attribute this to normal industry movements, insiders suggest that dissatisfaction with Harry’s perceived role as a figurehead plays a significant part.
This scenario reflects a broader trend in the Sussexes’ post-royal life, where the pursuit of titles and visibility often overshadows genuine accountability.
Critics argue that instead of rejecting privilege, the couple has merely rebranded it for an American audience.
As this narrative unfolds, it remains uncertain whether Harry’s tenure at BetterUp will evolve into something meaningful or simply join the ranks of other Sussex ventures that prioritize style over substance.