The turbulence continues for Prince Harry, with recent developments suggesting he's no longer a part of the board of Travalyst, the nonprofit committed to sustainable travel that he himself founded. This latest twist follows swiftly on the heels of the controversy surrounding his and Meghan's deal with Spotify.
Travalyst's CEO, Sally Davey, in her spring address on the company's "new phase of growth," introduced a fresh board of directors, noticeably not featuring Prince Harry. However, she was quick to add that the prince continues to play an active role in "strategic discussions and decisions." But insiders argue this move speaks to larger undercurrents of disapproval.
An inside source revealed, “This was not Harry’s choice. The discord stems from the seeming disconnect between Harry and Meghan’s lavish lifestyle and the core values of Travalyst." They elaborated on concerns over the couple's frequent private jet travels, hinting that such choices might be denting Prince Harry's standing and Travalyst's credibility.
Further compounding the Duke of Sussex’s challenges are several contentious issues, ranging from his testimonial disputes in a UK court, to rifts with his family, and the much-publicized termination of the couple’s Spotify collaboration.
One palace insider commented, “Harry is increasingly viewed as someone lacking genuine skills or professional credibility. His status is primarily tied to his royal lineage.”
Rumors are rife that Meghan Markle, 42, is equally unsettled. The couple’s much-touted $100 million contract with Netflix is purportedly hanging by a thread, given their limited content production and a series of project rejections.
Moreover, the couple's recent encounter in New York City post the Women of Vision Awards has raised eyebrows. Their dramatic account of a "near-catastrophic" chase by paparazzi contrasted sharply with eyewitness accounts, leading to skepticism about their version of events. The NYPD, in an official statement, clarified that though photographers made the journey challenging, there were "no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests."
The cumulative impact of these incidents indicates a perceptible shift in public sentiment towards the couple. “The Sussexes seem to have alienated numerous allies since relocating to California. They're increasingly isolated, even in elite circles," shared an informed source.
The grapevine even suggests that close friends like David and Victoria Beckham are now maintaining a distance, in light of allegations that the duo shared private information about the royals with the media.
A palace commentator noted, “The Sussexes' public image has taken a hit. Their narrative of being unfairly treated, juxtaposed with their actual actions, has made many wary of associating with them.