While Meghan Markle is accustomed to the sting of famous friends and close relatives turning against her, Prince Harry is discovering that even he will not be spared from public criticism.
The Duke of Sussex has spent the past year focusing on business ventures that pay him handsomely to maintain his lifestyle in California and fund his substantial annual security costs.
Gone are the days when Prince Harry relied on selling “royal secrets” for a major paycheck; the former soldier is now cashing in through high-profile speaking engagements covering unexpected topics.
The Real Estate Controversy In Canada
His most recent lucrative gig was in Toronto, Canada, where he served as a keynote speaker at the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) Powerhouse Conference on December 1, 2025.
Many found it odd that the son of a King — who has never held a traditional job in the sector, never personally managed real estate, and lived in royal residences without paying rent until his 30s — was asked to tackle the complex topic of housing.
Advertisements for Prince Harry’s appearance were shared via a bold Facebook post and Instagram stories, selling the event as an exclusive conversation with the Duke. The organizers said of the conference:
“This is your chance to hear from influential leaders, political pundits, and powerful insiders on all things real estate policy, housing supply, and the Canadian economy.”
Critics were quick to label the appearance a “rent-a-prince” moment, questioning what expertise Prince Harry could possibly offer regarding Ontario’s housing supply, affordability, or market regulation.
From Minefields To Showroom Carpets
Palace insiders via the Daily Mail have reportedly ridiculed Prince Harry, suggesting the “cameo” is a sign of financial strain for the power couple, with one source noting: “This man used to walk through minefields; now he’s walking showroom carpets.”
Another Palace insider told the publication that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially given up their all-service, charity, and philanthropic personas to become capitalists eager to accept a check.
The person with ties to the royals explained: “Harry and Meghan gave up their message of service and leadership when they left Britain and their royal duties behind. Presumably, they will now give speeches to whoever pays them.”
Humiliated By Old Etonian Friends
In response to the news of Harry’s appearance, an old school friend of Prince Harry from Eton College humiliated him with a stinging comment via the Daily Mail: “I’m not sure how much I would pay to hear Harry hold forth on housing supply in Canada.”
A Life Independent Of The Crown
Despite the “hoopla” surrounding his qualifications, Prince Harry continues to pursue private-sector opportunities to build an independent life outside the Crown. Prince Harry is the Chief Impact Officer for the coaching and mental health platform BetterUp and receives substantial speaking fees for discussing mental wellness.
This latest move highlights the ongoing tension between his royal heritage and his new career as a global “speaker-for-hire.” Reports have suggested that Prince Harry and his wife net between $500,000 and $1 million per appearance.
The pair has no intention of returning to the UK; additionally, King Charles III and others have made it clear they are not wanted back in a working capacity.
Brutal comments and assessments such as the ones above will certainly drive Prince Harry further away from his native land.
The royal finds it laughable that his outside-the-box way of making money is bothering some people.
