Everything I know about the mega-rich oligarchs of the world, I learned from watching Billions. That’s not entirely true, but I just want to hype one of my favorite (bonkers) shows, and I do think that Billions gets the culture of financial oligarchy correct. Anyway, last week, Prince Harry gave a speech before JP Morgan’s alternative investment summit. He was introduced by Gayle King and his audience was full of billionaires, millionaires, movers and shakers. It is widely believed that Harry scored a significant paycheck for the speech, and it’s also assumed that he and Meghan are building a portfolio of wealthy corporate contacts as they put together their foundation and their personal finances for the future. Personally, I thought it was always going to look like this, with Meghan and Harry cozying up to corporate types and oligarchs. My theory was that Meghan would likely pair up with a huge fashion or beauty label too. But according to the Mail, for the time being, it looks like Harry is making the moves to cozy up to… Goldman Sachs??
Prince Harry has reportedly held talks with investment bank Goldman Sachs as he and Meghan build the ‘Sussex Royal’ brand that experts believe could be worth £1billion in a decade. The Duke of Sussex is said to have discussed following in the footsteps of David Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow by speaking at one of the Talks at GS events. His team is said to have spoken to the American global banking giant in November – when the couple were holed up in a Vancouver mansion with Archie and decided they would be quitting as senior royals.
Stars are not paid a fee for a Talks at GS appearance – but sources have told the Daily Mirror that it will ‘ pave the way for the Sussexes to forge a lucrative future relationship’ with the bank. Renowned PR agent Mark Borkowski has said these deals will still bring riches in the US, adding: ‘They’re going to earn fortunes, whether through speeches or ambassador work – these are £1billion handshakes’.
A tie-up could help them earn millions in the corporate world – but one with GS would be controversial after it was accused of playing a role in the 2008 financial crash – and then making billions of dollars at the expense of its clients during and afterwards.
So… Harry might give a speech for Goldman Sachs and not get paid for it, but it will be valuable because of the connections he makes which COULD be worth a billion dollars? The Daily Mail is playing a bit fast and loose here, likely in an attempt to agitate the (racist) masses with “how dare they earn money when they literally said they would try to become financially independent.” How dare they! Also, for those people suggesting that this kind of thing is never, ever done in royal circles, let me just say… Prince Charles would LOVE for JP Morgan or Goldman Sachs to underwrite any part of The Prince’s Trust. Prince Charles absolutely runs his foundation as pay-for-play – how in the world do you think Amal Clooney got an award named after her through the Prince’s Trust? It’s because George Clooney donated a chunk of change. I feel like Harry and Meghan will likely do that for their foundation and accept a huge “donation” from a large hedge-fund to finance their charitable projects.
Photos courtesy of Backgrid and Avalon Red.
Make those connections!
Ok I believe it is great they got out of that corrupted fish bowl and are loving their own lives but JP Morgan the largest financiers of Fossil Fuel expansion.Well I guess there goes their environmental causes.Incidentially I feel the whole family is hypocritical about environmental causes especially Harry’s father.
@Loras how do you expect institutions to change if not by partnering with influencers and champions of environmental sustainability? Prince Charles has been touting environmental issues through his Prince’s Trust yet he always travels private due to security issues. The two acts are not mutually exclusive. Moreover, JP is actively developing alternative investment portfolios et al which support sustainable development and lessen damages to the climate. Who would you rather they partnered with that has the reach and wherewithal to finance these projects? Also, Meghan has NEVER EVER spoken on the environment only Harry. But, of course, you don’t care for facts only conjectures and righteous indignation. Don’t be sheep. Think.
So now the Daily Fail is considered a reliable source? Really?!
The Sussexes are taking legal action against them, remember? All they do is make stuff up so they can run photos of Meghan.
I really don’t know why anyone pays attention to them. They are the REAL monkeys!
David Beckham gives speeches? 🤔
It takes focus dedication and passion to play elite athletes level, so, they can, talk for 45 minutes and motivate the upper management it ok to screw everyone .
Cringey, eh.
I worry about his long term viability in giving speeches. Will he keep talking about their decision to leave the RF and his mental health years down the line? I’m sure they have a backup plan but I’m unsure if speeches will be a long term strategy
@Nina – I suspect the speeches are a short-term strategy. I see them following the Obama’s path. Books from each of them. Then onto producer/board member/advisor roles.
He could talk about his innovative social enterprises (Invictus, Sentebale) from lots of angles, poss w help from experts in related areas, could be really inspiring, and a good path for them. I could also see a Ted Talk, w maybe the mental health issues as an underlying driver to channel hard times/feelings into something positive…
We don’t really know what he’s actually talking about. I doubt he’s spending all his speech time talking about how sad he is because Princess Diana died.
@Emmitt, agree.I don’t know why people are assuming they know what exactly he talked about based on second hand information, or what he will speak about in future. Even this hasn’t been confirmed or in what context. No one really knows anything and the British press are going nuts, the palace isn’t telling them anything either.
You have to do it if you want the massive donations but their association with these somewhat controversial banks is making them vulnerable to criticism. Roger Federer got attacked because he’s sponsored by Crédit Suisse and they invest in fossil fuels.
They probably want an “exclusive” talk as well. Harry can’t talk about his mother all the time. The billionaires want something new, something unique. They don’t want to hear what Nelson and Claire heard first two weeks ago.
@Maxie – not just criticism but also crime. A lot of universities in America are dealing with the ugly aftermath of taking money from wealthy donors who were revealed to be criminals. When you dance with the devil, you don’t pick the song.
Yes, class warfare and social justice are big issues right now. Pairing up with Goldman Sachs to start things off could hurt their reputation.
These bankers are cold, heartless sharks that are apex predators in the international ocean. Harry and Meghan may be out of their depth.
But once who earn billions those criticisms are just noise. I think they will make more money even billions beacuse those billionaire donate to charity or foundation yo avoid tax. I think via their foundation Sussex will get some good money cut for their work. Also they dont have to pay for tax for charity or foundation.
The Sussexes are “vulnerable to criticism” no matter what they do or don’t do.
I agree that they are criticized almost always BUT I also think it’s okay to say that the Sussexes being associated with a controversial bank isn’t great.
Goldman Sachs actually announced that they will no longer be investing in a) fossil fuels and b) companies that are not run by a gender equitable board. They’re actually leading the way in changing that conversation.
This just goes to show how clueless are the members of the royal family, whether they are all together aided by advisors or on their own. It also demonstrates that they don’t know how and don’t want to know how to make money, because they just take money and see no difference about WHO they take it from. I’m not surprised in the least.
How did you get all that from this?
Get those connections and money Harry!
How do people think any charitable organization gets money? Through donors. It is just smart to go to the people with the deep pockets.
Don’t understand the “outrage” coming from some in the UK at all.
I’m not outraged because I think this how Big foundations do indeed work. I don’t actually think Meaghan wants to be a celeb the way the media is always saying- I think she wants to be respected and run in the elite circle of wealth and influence. So this is definitely how they do that. I think that the criticism will be that they are hypocritical because they champion XYZ but socialize and network with ABC who are known to 123 etc. but again- I think this is how things work behind the scenes for all but the truly grassroots, maybe.
I’d love to see them attend a simpler event. I understand they need mega bucks, but I miss seeing them with “regular” people at shelters, book launches, etc. I guess being scarce helps drive their asking price up, so it is a smart move.
Meghan visited two charities in Vancouver days after returning. I doubt they have abandoned everyday people charity outreach. I’m sure we’ll see many facets of work through their foundation once it’s officially announced.
Exactly @Bren and wasn’t she criticized for “stepping on others events” and all sorts of other nonsense. I wish people would let them navigate their own path.
But Meghan has been doing smaller visits to charities. I dunno if you want to call them “events”. She visited a womens DV shelter and a pet rescue off the top of my head. And didnt bring photographers with her either, the places took their own pictures and released them. That’s how she got accused of stealing Charles’ thunder when he gave that Davos speech, the charity released the pix on their IG account the same day by coincidence.
@Elle if you recall Meghan’s speech at the SmartWorks capsule launch where she more or less said their Foundation would focus on grassroots projects which is geared towards every day people. THIS is how fundraising is done. Everything they’re doing now is for the actualisation of this primary objective. Why are we placing such impossible goalposts before they’ve even started the race? Let’s give them a chance before bringing out the pitchforks.
I’m really confused as to what the game plan is at this point. I’m not impressed so far, to be perfectly honest. Swimming with the sharks again, Harry. Just different sharks.
Same.
I’m really confused that you think you SHOULD know what their game plan is.
Exactly. These are human beings, not commodities. And I find it weird how some people are disappointed with how strangers want to make their money. Someone is even talking about the shine rubbing off of them….are they decorative ornaments? This is the aftermath of “royalty” where human beings with blood coursing through their veins are seen as entertainment. I hope they make their billions and cut off this abusive relationship with both the media and people. Those that will bankroll whatever they do are not on twitter being disappointed.
Yep. @Originaltessa and @Fallon: tell us what exactly you think they SHOULD be doing, then. What would impress you?
I have to admit that the shine is coming off just a bit for me. So they went from being tied to a family of racists and colonizers to being beholden to big banks? I totally get that these kinds of partnerships are standard in the upper echelons, and that it has traditionally been the only way to secure and manage large investments. I guess I was still holding out hope that these two would carve some kind of new path? One that doesn’t depend on becoming buds with Jamie Dimon and that ilk. Honestly not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this.
@Porter – I hoped so, too. If they were two college kids with debt and no money then I’d better understand the need to “sell out” for startup cash, but these two are rich. They could start their foundation small and build up. I didn’t think they’d have to align with these shady bankers.
Give them a chance, they’re just getting started.
Agreed….if we don’t hear it from THEM, via Instagram or their website, it’s all just speculation, with no actual FACTS. Because I’m pretty sure their staff are loyal and will not leak. I hope, I pray their staff are loyal, because they have had enough disloyalty and backstabbing from their own families and the press. So can we just let them be for a bit? They may be in discussions, they may not be. It’s all speculation, so let them get going and they’ll tell us!!
How exactly would they be “beholden” to these large banks? It’s not like they are politicians through whom the financial sector can influence policy. And since they are no longer working royals, they can’t be expected to provide access to the royal family (like Andrew has been doing for decades). They will get paid for speaking at events and will accept contributions for their foundation, which will hopefully be used to do some good in this world. I think people are making way too much of this.
@Leigh – There is no such thing as a free lunch. When people give megabucks they are buying way more than a one-time speech.
@Leigh – I agree with you.
I guess what I mean by “beholden” is that large donors to private charities often feel entitled (and able!) to influence the mission of the charity in much the same way that donations to politicians can influence public policy. I’ve seen in happen in my time working for non-profits. I also just look askance at anything corporate banks do. I remain unconvinced that anything they do is for the public good in any way. I mean their whole raison d’etre is profits above all else. I really do hope you’re right that I’m reading too much into this! I’m just cynical.
Please, Harry gave 1 speech at an event we know nothing about. We even know if he was paid, and folks are already piling up on them. All this fake outrage without facts is predictable. None of you concern folks got a word to say to Charles who has been raking money for his Trust for decades. The sussex are held to some unreasonable standard.
Please, Harry gave 1 speech at an event we know nothing about. We don’t even know if he was paid, and folks are already piling up on them. All this fake outrage without facts is predictable. None of you concern folks got a word to say to Charles who has been raking money for his Trust for decades. The sussex are held to some unreasonable standard. This is how this th
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Agree Pinkgold. Even commenters on here are beginning to pick them to death. What are they supposed to do —- twitch their noses. — and their foundation is up and running and they are financially independent? They are living in the real world, building a foundation in real time. This is the way it works.
Beholden?? Being a bit dramatic there, dont you think?? How do paid or unpaid speeches amount to being “beholden”??
If they are getting paid to give speeches and take that money and pour it into their charitable ventures I don’t see what the issue is. People need to calm down and give them a chance to het started before judging.
@VV – agree with you and Pinkgold et al. The reactions on here are puzzling to me. we don’t know anything besides the fact that Harry gave a speech to a small circle of JP Morgan invitees. The rest is pure speculation. And, even if this is true – this is how it works to a large extent. yes, small donations are really important and can make a difference and I’m sure they’ll get a ton of those, but I imagine they want to inject some cash fast as they get started.
@VV I will admit that my choice of words was melodramatic. Just to be clear, I still have high hopes for the Sussexes. They are well-positioned to do so much good! My fear is that the ethics of their brand will be compromised right out of the gate. If this is part of a long-arc PR strategy, then maybe they will prove my fears unfounded.
@Porter, stop reading the Fail. They are trying to sensationalize this and cast aspersions to harm the Sussex brand and in doing so effectively riling up the readers. The Sussexes have announced nothing as yet. This is the beginning, getting introduced to people, building relationships and making contacts. What’s better than cold calling Alex Rodriguez? Calling Alex Rodriguez after you met him in person. In that business half of it is sales, marketing and networking.
I’ll wait for the official announcement on their IG or website before coming to conclusions.
I understand why people are upset over this, but I don’t think it’s completely crazy to wonder about that possibility. It’s easy to say that they won’t be beholden, but just looking at it from a perspective where H&M are removed and you sub in some other couple – I think a lot of us WOULD wonder.
Of course, that doesn’t mean anything. We know that these two can manage to organize a ton quietly behind the scenes, and that a lot of rumors follow them because it makes tabloids money.
I don’t think it’s inherently wrong to wonder about it – not because of H&M’s motivations – but in regards to the motivations of the banks which, I suspect most of us can agree aren’t always on the up and up.
@Erinn, WHO is upset? The people who seem to be really upset about Harry making a speech (which hasn’t even been confirmed yet) are upset because Harry and Meghan aren’t begging in the streets. The same people who are upset because Harry and Meghan continue to breathe.
@Porter, I sincerely hope that Harry and Meghan aren’t living their lives to please social media.
Y’all are so dramatic. Ready to rake them over the coals and they haven’t even gotten started yet.
Serious questions: what CAN they do that would make some of you not wonder? Or not suspect them of something? For some reason everything these two do elicits criticism. Some regulars here are all over these H&M threads with criticism, but don’t ever call the Cambridges out (and there’s more to criticize there). Help me understand.
@Porter The shine has rubbed off, really?! Was it there for you to begin with? Harry has done ONE speech and this other speech rumor is by the Daily Mail, so take it with a grain of salt. Do you think Harry should be taking tax payer money from the Royal Family (with their stellar reputation) or Goldman Sachs? I would go with GS. I will never demean someone who wants to leave a terrible situation and make their own money and happiness. I think some people would be happy for H&M to continue to take taxpayer money.
Why do he
Obsession w/ to hear 2. She was a game show hostess at best from a very dysfunctional family. It’s weird that she has no friend’s that I’ve ever even heard about but Serena Williams, married twice to strange men. They’re just not interesting. She has no mystique like Diana did. She’s a mediocre actress from a very dysfunctional background who she ditched. She can’t shake her loser family
These are the same type of people that Charles and William see at Davos every year when they go. Money moves in the same circles. It’s what’s done with that money that matters. Let’s see what charities and initiatives their foundation supports before we decide to “be disappointed” ok?
Hmmmm so branding isn’t a ‘mind your own damn business and let me do whatever I want’ kind of thing. That’s private, personal wealth.
What we need from Harry and Meghan is a well balanced diet of meeting normal people at charities, youth conferences and so on, while also networking and making money via speaking events with (hopefully carefully vetted) corporate types.
Why do you think both corporations and high profile public figures spend a lot of time and money on corporate social responsibility or charitable endeavors (as well as makng it as public as possible)? If your brand is to be ethical, environmentally aware, feminist, or progressive, then consumers are especially demanding of accountability and authenticity these days. Is Oprah really Oprah without public philanthropy? Obviously not.
Rich people schmoozing other rich people. I didn’t expect any different. Meghan made her own money. Harry is a guy who is rich because of colonialism and slavery and class exploitation. Goldman Sachs are his peers.
Correct. But on this site we like to pretend Harry’s money didn’t come from ruining the countries he is now trying to help.
@Corin, WHO pretends that? I think every person who supports Harry and Meghan on THIS website knows full well where the money his family lives off comes from. Some of it came from the blood and sweat of MY ancestors. That’s why I support anyone who is trying to get off the imperialism gravy train and become self-sufficient.
I guess you must be horrified by the image of Keen Katie visiting Northern Ireland, considering what the British have done to the Irish? Yeah?
Honestly, that was one of the first things that occurred to me when I saw that Kate went to northern Ireland. My family is Irish, so I’m personally aware of the complexity and the Troubles. And now I’m a white person living in America– on stolen land, with a lot of privilege, etc. So I’m aware that the difference between my life and Harry’s is only a matter of degree.
Going from taking royal money to taking money from banks hardly seems like any real attempt to stop benefiting from the exploitation of others. Maybe they are trying. I’m not suggesting I have the answers. But as books like Decolonizing Wealth lay out incredibly well how philanthropy is a new form of colonization. So I’m skeptical of any philanthropic efforts that don’t clearly lay out how they are going to prevent the division, imposition and power dynamics that so often harm the communities that foundations are aiming to help.
Rubbing shoulders with unsavory characters is something Royals have always done, so it’s not a big change for Harry. The biggest change in the playbook will come from media coverage for the Sussexes, not the money part.
Unsavory characters? You act like it’s the mafia. I think you are referring to Andrew and Fergie for that accusation.
If this is true, good for them because the BM is so bothered by this, LOL. Who knew that two grown adults making millions of dollars can bother reporters, who Harry has openly disdained and wants nothing to do with. They are so used to controlling the royals that now their biggest money makers don’t and won’t listen to anything they have to say anymore. Can’t use that tax payer excuse now. I Stan a petty and independent couple 😂. They can’t win for losing. If Meghan and Harry go the entertainment route, then they’re Hollywood etc. if they don’t work and live off their savings, investments etc, then they’ll be attacked for being lazy. At this point, everyone needs to leave these two alone.
So do any of you want to give them a chance? They’ve left like what? 3 weeks ago? If Kate is still being “keen” almost 9 years in then the Sussexes should be allowed a grace period where they can make mistakes and stumbles.
It’s crazy to me how everyone seems to want to control and bully this couple.
Oh, no chances here. They were supposed to change the entire system of financing global charitable initiatives in just under a month!!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I agree with your snark GuestWho. Also, is this site being trolled? Seems to be a lot more nasty commenters lately.
@JA – I don’t comment that often, but I’ve been a fan of this site for at least a decade. Yes, there are lots of trolls rolling in from Twitter and Tumblr to infect the only site that is positive of Meghan. They can’t stand that there are people who actually like her and will stand up for her, so they come in with their BS theories, hypocrisy and lies. It seems like the hive decides on the narrative for the day because the troll comments are all similar and then they send the flying monkies in to be a-holes. Do they believe that they can change the minds of the people who have been commenting here? I’m not sure what the objective is – maybe it’s like the Daily Mail’s legal team – exhaust people with BS and they won’t keep fighting back. They’re jerks but they’re hard to ignore. They don’t respond to or with facts. The twitter/tumblr haters have made it their mission to spread hate and stupidity wherever they can.
This is the thing. This happened one month ago and we have t heard from them. Nothing has been confirmed and we don’t know their next moves. Harry gave one talk, and the Sachs thing is speculation. It seems that the press were throwing around Hollywood so much that this threw them for a loop, so now they’re throwing big bad banks around. If they talk to a fashion house, a tech company, a manufacturing corporation, the same thing will be used—- this is not news.
Guest Who you nailed the troll strategy to a tee. And also how stupid it is. Some people have been posting here for years and a few randoms aren’t going to change any minds. Do they not realize we recognize who posts here?
@Sofia Hear, hear!
I agree completely Sofia! Meghan’s “honeymoon” period in the royal family was depressingly short with no time to make mistakes and stumbles. And her and Harry will be granted absolutely no “honeymoon” period to start their new life and figure out the funding situations for themselves and their foundation. Personally, I’m willing to give them lots of time and support through their mistakes and stumbles because in the long run I want to see them succeed and the path to success is neither straight or quick.
Meghan’s honeymoon with the media lasted 1 week. One. Week. Then all the mess started with Piers Morgan weaponizing her father. It was all downhill after that. They need to keep doing what they are doing. Consult their experts, create an air-tight foundation with a lot of transparency (because whatever they do will be peered over with a microscope the way the Royal Foundation never has been). Remember, their crime is a) existing and b) existing out of the control of the BM and c) existing out of control of the RF.
I saw no honeymoon. Blogs came along and comments on media sites criticizing her and then a petition went around to stop the wedding. Piers keeps on trashing them.
The “Talks at GS” have lots of people from different walks of life: entertainment, sports, business, environmentalists, etc. They are interviewed by some senior person at the firm in front of employees and uploaded to their website and social media.
The one that shows up on my twitter feed at the mo is Karly Kloss talking about her coding for girls initiative. I understand these are released to try and drum up positive PR, but honestly most of them get just destroyed in the comments on twitter so I am not 100% sure it’s working lol
That said, I can see how they’d want to use the platform to connect w that firm because of their connections to wealthy sponsors (both in and out of the company), they can literally talk about anything they want in this format, and they can honestly say they haven’t been “paid” but they will def get value from the appearance. I doubt they’d focus on his mother or mental health, but on their aspirations for their foundation and charitable works, and Harry’s experience with the Invictus Games. That is most definitely his biggest accomplishment and something he could really use to grow their platform.
I highly doubt this story base on the very unreliable source. Team sussex left KP due to leaks. No one knew a thing about their JPMORGAN speech until they were back in Canada.
That being said, I hope they are lining up events like this if they want major donors for their foundation. Obama did it. It takes money to run charities, and without proper hustling like this, funds will be tight.
Also, can folks stop saying mental health is the only issue he can speak on. I mean, the man is passionate about conservation, and involved in many conversation projects in Africa, Veterans rehabilitation, HIV Stigma and prevention, women equality, fair media and his battle to help change policy that gives UK media all the power to do as it wishes… many subjects to speak on. Anyways, do you Harry and Meghan, your critics are always going to look for ways to put you down. Keep moving up✌
I agree @Pinkglold. The British media are projecting how upset they are that H&M are making their own money and that they dared to leave the RF.
Also, this came from the Daily Mail so take this with the biggest grain of salt. Save the meltdowns.
Harry gave ONE speech that talked about his mental health. We have no idea on what he will talk about from here on out.
I don’t see it mentioned in this article but can the media stop saying H&M are more valuable than the Obamas? I’m sure I don’t need to list out how patently wrong that is. And I adore Harry and Meghan (particularly Meghan) but no, they are not in the same lane as the Obamas. That’s wishful thinking.
This is my opinion only but I’m not sure Harry and Meghan are as interesting and influential without the royal affiliation. I’m sure they’re lovely people but without the global platform and patronages provided by the firm, they’re just not that interesting.
I’m on the same page opinion wise – they are a very lovely and compelling couple, but without the glitz of “Royal” per se, not that interesting. I find her story to be much more compelling because we all know Hollywood is a grind and she is well educated, successful in her chosen career and married Royalty. He is Diana’s kid and raised in the most exclusive club around, how they will keep the momentum going as far as a public profile will be interesting to watch.
If it were me, I would likely forego the foundation piece and cash in on the current popularity and connections – strike while the iron is hot so to speak.
Harry will always have a royal connection; he is the grandson of the current monarch, son of the future monarch and brother of the future future monarch. If Fergie can still get connections because of her former royal status and she was just a married-in who was divorced from them 2.5 decades ago, Harry can get connections.
They thought enough of one half of this lovely couple to have her speak in front of a group – including Kofi Annon – at the UN…before she was a royal.
Yes, it’s flat-out-insulting. Barack Obama made history like few other human beings are able to. I’m not saying he’s perfect, far from it, but he already belongs to the History books, with the likes of Nelson Mandela. Harry is mostly known for being Diana’s son, and Meghan for being Harry’s wive. It’s ridiculous to even compare them.
Finally, someone just said it. Agree with you completely.
100% Agree. I know people really like H&M and want them to succeed. But its an absurd comparison for so so many reasons. An actress who cares about social issues like Angelina Jolie is a much more appropriate comparison.
@Corin – You hit the bulls-eye on the target with your comment. Angelina Jolie is the most appropriate comparison because unlike Oprah or George Clooney she uses OPM (other people’s money) to fund her very worthwhile charities. There is nothing wrong with using OPM one iota!
I heard Pete Buttigieg is the next Obama now. This is way overblown. With Trump trying to dismantle every aspect of his legacy, this outrage on the Obamas behalf because a Harry gave a speech is ridiculous and misplaced. Meghan literally interviewed Michelle Obama, remember that, and Harry actually knows them. I think they can figure out their own lane.
@Baytampabay Thanks! I think the question then becomes 1) how she makes her own money. Cause money given to the foundation is for charity, not for her to live on. If she wants to go back to acting (which was her chosen profession) I think that makes sense. 2) If she is going to put any efforts into making sure people aren’t just giving her money to make up for the fact that they made money by exploiting others. It’s easy to make a billion dollars by not paying people a living wage, then giving $500,000 to M&H’s charity and calling yourself a philanthropist . M&H get to claim they are doing good and the CEO gets a tax break. Meanwhile people and communities suffer in a way they would not have if the CEO had just paid them well. I would LOVE it if M&H refused to be a part of that philanthropic system. But I know that is a lot to ask and they are living in the same world we are– which is one where we all have to make compromises. Still, I’d love it if they took a stand against that sort of thing. But the Obamas made compromises I wish they hadn’t… so maybe the comparison is apt after all! 🙂
False equivalency. Harry and Meghan have never compared themselves to the Obamas. It’s just an attempt to alienate people who love the Obamas. I’m not going for THAT okey-doke.
Dragging the Obamas into this discussion is really making my spidey senses tingle. Have the Sussexes EVER claimed to want to be the NEW Obamas? I think it’s being used to divide and turn people against Harry and Meghan, by pitting them against the most popular and powerful African-Americans on earth.
If Harry and Meghan want to pattern themselves after the Obamas, I say good for them because the Obamas are the best role models they can find. And since Harry is good friends with the Obamas, I’m sure the President and the First Lady are giving the Sussexes a lot of very useful advice on how to start their new lives.
Of course they have never claimed they want to be the Obamas. It’s another wedge to drive into the narrative. It’s the new “how dare they” argument. So transparent, but people are falling for it.
Obviously, they are going to use the Obamas as role models – we should ALL use them as role models; but the idea that either H or M has claimed to be on their “level” is nonsense.
Kerwood, and GuestWho-
But the poster didn’t say that H&M made the comparison themselves. Direct quote from the OP:
“but can the media stop saying H&M are more valuable than the Obamas”.
They weren’t complaining because M&H were doing it – just that it’s strange that this is something popping up in the media. And it IS strange because I don’t find the two comparable for the most part. Two vastly different histories and roles. But agreed – we should all try to be a little more like the Obama’s.
@Erinn – it’s irritating because it is another narrative being pushed to get people wound up – and people are falling for it and spreading it even when it isn’t mentioned in the article at hand. It isn’t an insult to either couple, so let it go, or write a letter to the appropriate editor. But getting pissed off about it is what “they” want. One more wedge.
@Erinn, who are the people talking about the comparison? It’s usually the ‘I love Harry and Meghan BUT…’ crowd. And these people are bringing up comparisons that aren’t even being made.
The need to stoop to any lie or invented story to destroy these people is pathological. What would these people do if Harry and Meghan didn’t exist? Where would they target their venom?
If it’s not mentioned in the article, then why bring it up in a discussion about the article?
They are talking about earning potential. Not life experience. No one is saying that they are equivalents to the Obamas in terms of that. But they have the potential to be a high profile high income couple who is not solely based in sports, politics or entertainment. So I think it’s a relevant comparison.
@MsIam, then be honest about WHO is making the comparison. You just did.
Actually @kerwood I was responding to @Nina Simone who was complaining about the media saying that the Sussex brand is as or more valuable than the Obama brand. If you are comparing the couples earning potential and not life experiences then it is a fair comparison. Obama by the very nature of him being a politician carries a fair amount of baggage that H&M don’t have to worry about. So H&M have that advantage. However the Obamas have way more credibility on the international stage when it comes to global issues. So they will each speak to their own audiences. Time will tell who will reap the bigger financial harvest.
All the pearl clutching is rather laughable. Where do you think big money comes from to fund big foundations? From the neighbor lady next door who lives paycheck to paycheck? The guy who earns a modest salary of $100,000 a year? Nope.
Actually, there have been studies that show middle class folks give more money to charity that the super rich.
They give a higher percentage of their net worth. BUT a higher percentage of a middle class person’s net worth? May still be much less (bottom line, hard cash number) than the small percentage a super rich person donates.
Actually, as a fundraiser for a NGO, I can confirm that a LOOOOOT of money comes from middle class people.
Regarding corporate partners and major donors, most NGO (and I would guess foundations) set ethic lines through guiding principles. Ours totally forbid us to accept donation from companies, foundations and donors associated with 6/7types of industry. And then you have more things to consider such as corruption, problematic sh!t a CEO/top management person might have said or done, schocking communication campaigns…
Bottom line: protecting your brand and credibility is key!
Wow! I did not know that my $5 a month donations was enough to form a Foundation and Endowments. I’ll go set one up right now!
You don’t need millions or billions of dollars to do good work and help people – that’s a lie we’ve been sold by rich powerful people who start “foundations” — they land up being huge tax write-offs, money laundering schemes, and a way to increase their political power (Patriot Act had a really well research episode on this, it’s fascinating and depressing).
There are so many worthwhile charities and Not-for-profits already doing amazing work where almost 100% of the $$$ goes to the cause. Give your money and attention to them instead of these celebrity foundations.
This is so true. In my experience if you want to make a meaningful donation to a non profit find a small local one that doesn’t have a fancy website or advertisements or big offices. I am involved with a few local non profits and I can tell you virtually every dollar in goes irectly out to the community. They only reach a small handful of people, but those people in need have their lives changed.
Our Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA) has a triple A rating for the MOST funds going to cause, vs going to admin, advertising, etc. It’s the only one I know about, for sure. Can anyone name more charities where the $$ go (almost) 100% to the cause? Because those are the ONLY ones I want to donate to. I’m livid at the moment; just found out my CHURCH sent our pastors to Whistler (very expensive) for an internal conference!!! There’s a lovely meeting place at Park and Tilford Gardens, an 8-10 minute drive FFS. So now I’m questioning where my church’s priorities are at. It’s frustrating and confusing, and I’m going to ask what were they thinking?
Ask questions of any charity you want to get involved with. I volunteer weekly at a local farm sanctuary, 100% of the money raised goes to helping the animals and it’s all-volunteer run.
Ouf. That’s rough.
I was a child for most of this, but we were talking about it recently. The church I went to as a kid (now torn down) had a fantastic ex-navy member pastor. He was just a delight, well loved, intelligent, all around good guy. He started asking about where money was going, and it wasn’t long before they’d shoved him out. A different pastor in town was kicked out of the church because he was having a bunch of affairs with church go-ers while married. The man dressed in fancier casual clothes than the vast majority of the town. It’s amazing how much people who claim to care most about the welfare of others and morality will stoop when money is involved.
Why are so many people out to defeat this foundation before it begins? Do you complain about funds donated to W&K’s remaining struggling foundation? I’m betting no.
Harry has shown what he can do in the charity realm (Invictus Games, Sentebale which thrives after the initial few years). Independent fund raising related to Harry and Meghan has raised thousands (baby shower, tree planting for Archie).
If people are motivated to donate to causes because Harry and Meghan are affiliated with them? Or if they are spearheading the causes? That’s a good thing. No matter how many bitter tears the W&K stans want to shed. Those tears haven’t translated into donations to W&K charities.
I think smaller charities do better work and more money goes directly to the cause. That’s my opinion based on my work within the charity sector.
I’m not a W&K stan, or an M&H hater, so please stop with that nonsense.
@notasugarhere, for some people it’s NEVER too early to start criticizing the Sussexes, even if it means criticizing a foundation that doesn’t even exist yet.
@originalLala, they have supported small charities. Even the two organizations Meghan visited in Canada are small grassroots organizations. Look at their patronages which they still have. They produce real results. I think what people are forgetting in all this is the work they have already done. That will continue to be their model, under the larger umbrella of their foundation. Why would they change something that works well for them. All this stuff about banks and billionaires is just one brick in the foundation.
Thank you! You can support H&M but side eye this association with big banking.
Are the Sussexes asking for donations? Last I heard, they hadn’t even set up a foundation, so condemning it is a bit premature. But I guess it’s NEVER premature to jump on the Sussexes.
I’m not singling out the Sussexes – I’m stating that these kinds of big celebrity foundations are very flawed and that there are many ways to do good in the world that dont involve billion dollar celebrity foundations.
@OriginalLala, Well, this is a post ABOUT Prince Harry.
Unless you have some inside information, it seems a bit curious to condemn a foundation that doesn’t even exist. Are you encouraging people NOT to donate if and when it is created?
I didn’t see this comment as a criticism of a foundation we, as yet, know nothing about, but a useful observation about the context in which its being started.
Hopefully H & M will break the mould.
Awareness of how many celebrity/rich person foundations work is important.
Someone’s been reading her Anand Giridhardas! I love your comment. Can’t agree enough.
A lot of the “big celebrity foundations” help support smaller charities. They help cover their costs so that more of the donations can go directly to recipients instead of to admin costs. I work for a non profit and we used to get grants from larger non profits and foundations to offset some of our costs.
I don’t think it’s any surprise that they are starting with the JPM and GS of the world, that’s where the money is. I do not understand the weird purity angle, they are building a brand and financial independence going forward.
As someone mentioned above, there are already a herd of celebrity foundations and those endeavors aren’t meant to fund a brand and lifestyle, they are meant for philanthropy.
Point being – make those connections, make that cash, use what means are available, go thrive!
They’re carving out the life as savvy business people that Andrew always dreamed of, but was too lazy, stupid, and entitled to work for.
oh, snap!! YES, YES YES
@el Annoy – I am sure this is just eating certain members of BRF alive!
A lot of these little tidbits of news are in a vacuum. People were getting upset about Hollywood,reality shows and merching, and now global financial corporations are bad. We don’t know what they are doing. Goldman Sachs literally produces people who run the financial side of our government, so big power, kind of scary. They need capital for their foundation, they are probably lining up big donors, and while we are hearing about 2 banks, don’t think those are the only types of corporations or organizations they are talking to. I suspect that part of the Sussexes plan is go big or go home. We won’t know anything until they’re ready for us to know something. Also, we aren’t hearing about what they are doing with these connections in regards to their foundation. Also, I suspect that these global heavy hitters and finance types will be Harry’s domain and Meghan will be dealing with a different audience altogether. Very intriguing.
“ Also, I suspect that these global heavy hitters and finance types will be Harry’s domain and Meghan will be dealing with a different audience altogether.“
I’m also thinking that. As much as we tend to be most interested in Meghan on this site and thinking that she’s planning and running everything, I actually think she’s following Harry right now. I have a feeling that their partnership is a bit more “old school,” where he’s the major decision maker about money and work, and she’s okay with that. I think they’re partners and that he would never do anything she was against, but I just get the feeling that he’s the “alpha” in this relationship, the protector, the main bread winner, and she’s fine with supporting what he wants. Harry is making speeches. Harry is doing something with Oprah. Harry was at the summit at balmoral. Harry is doing something with Goldman Sachs. Harry wanted out of the RF. Harry had an ongoing huge problem with the press that went back decades and he wanted to completely restructure the royal rota and/or get rid of it. Harry wants space from his family. Harry has a few lawsuits against the press right now.
I think a lot of the decisions that they’re making, especially about money and who their financial partners are going to be, are being made by Harry. And while he’s made major strides in his wokeness (for lack of a better term), he’s still always been quite privileged and sheltered and has been part of the British royal family who are known for being kind of stubborn and fussy and getting what they want when they want it because they’re royalty and that’s just how it is. And I think he might just do things the way he’s always done things and the way he wants to because that’s just what he’s decided. And if people don’t like it or might have some reservations about how it looks, oh well, that’s not his problem. He’s doing it this way because he’s most worried about taking care of his family and he doesn’t care so much about “optics” or making sure the public is comfortable with his choices. Whereas I think Meghan, if she were alone and making all the decisions on her own, might be making different choices about who to work with and where funding should come from. I think she might be a bit more careful about how things look and would be more likely to take the risks to make sure that she’s working with more socially progressive partners or small donors, instead of going the safe and established route of working with big banks and corporations.
In some ways, because of the accusations of wokeness or whatever, we tend to forget that their work is very traditional in terms of gender roles. She does things that support women working, girls being educated, while he is veterans, land mines, sports etc. some things have commonality such as HIV education or conservation. I’m generalizing but you get the gist. The reality is that their causes aren’t that radical or left wing, or challenge government policies. What was radical and stood out was their charisma, her being a fully formed person, and work ethic, something the Royal family is lacking and don’t plan on changing anytime soon. Sorry to let down the sisterhood but those majority white male institutions want to meet with the alpha white male with the title and generational wealth, not his lovely wife. I’m not interested in those people. For Meghan, she will inspire people, especially women, who are self starters, bootstrappers, those who want to use their privilege and education to give back, or go against the grain. There is a lot of work and planning happening, so things will trickle out, and we have no clue at all.
“Harry wanted out of the RF.”
@Amt Too – If Harry did not want to leave the UK Royal Family then they never would have left.
“Also, we aren’t hearing about what they are doing with these connections in regards to their foundation.”
@Le4Frimaire – You are so correct and after 40+ years how much do we REALLY know about the funding mechanisms of the Prince’s Trust. SussexRoyal is nothing but a private version of what HRH Chucky has been doing for 40+ years!
None of this article makes sense. Goldman Sachs is in the money management and private equity business, not in the marketing or talent management business. Maybe they would handle the Sussex money, but as far as creating a “brand” they don’t do that, and, I suspect, would not be that good at it.
And the free speech also makes no sense. For what purpose? They don’t have to give GS a “freebie” to sweeten the deal.
It’s about connections. Rich people need someone to manage and invest their money. And a lot of them might want to be able to say they are connected to or support a charity headed by a member of the royal family. Goldman Sachs is always looking for new clients. Sponsoring a speech by someone like Harry gets their name in the mix. So it’s a win-win for everybody. Hopefully it a really big win for the charities that Sussex Royal will support.
Let me get this straight: the people who insisted that the Sussexes get off the backs of ‘the people’ and make their own way are now insisting that the Sussexes get their APPROVAL on HOW they make their money? Got it.
People like Prince Harry move in circles made up of a lot of unsavoury characters. You don’t get that rich without being unsavoury. I’ll bet when Harry started going through his Rolodex (yes, I’m old) there were a lot of heads of banks and other companies that aren’t necessarily the most altruistic. These are the people he had to cultivate to fund his charities and now these are the people he needs to go to to start his independent career.
I don’t know how I feel about Harry rubbing elbows with all of these bankers and such but there’s one thing I do know. It’s really none of my fucking business. Maybe these bankers need to hear about the importance of mental health from someone they consider an equal. And if he can slip in a word about the fight against HIV/AIDS then I’m okay with it.
Harry is starting from the very beginning. He’s been a glorified welfare recipient his entire life. He has a pretty fancy lifestyle, including paying for security to keep him safe from all the lunatics out there that want to hurt him and his family. The LAST thing Harry needs to do is to live his life to suit the people who hate him and want him to suffer.
‘the people who insisted that the Sussexes get off the backs of ‘the people’ and make their own way are now insisting that the Sussexes get their APPROVAL on HOW they make their money? Got it.’
Precisely.
What’s with the “unsavory” label? Is Harry meeting with a drug cartel or the mob? Listen, I haven’t heard a lot of criticism flung at Fergie for cozying up to that despot in Saudi Arabia. Talk about unsavory!
@MsIam, well the JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs crown aren’t exactly humanitarians.
But they’re NOT as bad as the crowd that Harry’s uncle and his grifter ex hang out with, people who have the Queen of England’s seal of approval.
I don’t know why some people are getting disappointed in Harry for networking these big companies/ banks. Most Americans have their retirement / 401k plans with these companies. Why? Because most of our jobs have setup their retirement plans with these huge corporations. Every time the stock market drops I say “there goes my 401k”. It is…. just the way the world operates. Harry and Meghan will need money to set up their foundation. The Royal Family is not going to give them the money. Companies like J P Morgan and Goldman Sachs have a charity division so they can get huge tax breaks. Once Harry gets the funding to set up Sussex Royal Foundation, they can work on the causes they want.
And if I’m not mistaken? Didn’t Harry do something like this for on the phone and got almost a Billion dollars for the The Invictus Games?
Why is fossil fuels getting brought up? I know a lot these big companies have investments but why put this at Harry’s feet.
BP/ Oil is the major retirement/ pension plan investment company in Britain. B P destroyed a U.S. Coast and the environment and jobs where runied. The US government sued British Petroleum for damages. The amount of money was quietly reduced. The reason was … it going to ruin millions of British petitioners livelihoods. U.S. Tax payers had to pay for a large portion of fixing the oil spill. The world is connected in some complex ways. I see nothing wrong with Harry and Meghan getting paid, getting donations and networking powerful connections. Maybe this is what they need to do to become financially independent. Meghan and Harry knows what it takes to have a global outreach. It takes a lot of money. Some these big companies will invest in the people willing to do the work and they get some credit by association.
Good points, Karmak! Some of the people bitching about the Sussexes here should check out how their own 401Ks and IRAs are invested. Left-leaning people need to get over their weird purity tests. Compromise has to rule the day. Otherwise, we keep electing the right-wingers who will destroy everything. In the US, democrats keep attaching huge weights to their legs before lining up to run the race against republicans, and then get surprised when they lose. I say this as an American Democrat who fears we’re doing it all over again in 2020. We all have to get more pragmatic here. That’s not to say we should excuse big banks, but we need to do a much better job about choosing when to fight our battles instead of trying to fight them all at the same time.
This kind of reminds me of the private jet thing. A lot of the criticism, in fact most of it is coming from the more right wing types. They hate “ eco warriors” and deny climate change, but are concerned with carbon footprints and environmental impact of jets. Now those who go on about how London is a global finance center and how important it is to post Brexit UK, are all upset about big banks and finance, were they complaining when Harry closed that billion dollar trade for BCG? Not once in these articles have I seen anyone reaching out to Goldman Sachs or the Sussexes people for comment. Did I miss that? This is just about the obsessive need to control this couple. If they make a lot of money, and do their business as they see fit, you can’t control them. Why is there so much desperation from the press. What is going on over there? The press helped create this situation with the backbiting Royal family, and now they are panicking because the ties are being completely cut.
So? Why is this a big deal? The people at ohnotheydidnt is tipping them apart for this.
Some of y’all REALLY need to calm down. Making grand judgments and don’t even know what’s actually going on.
@Guest Who, called it ‘concern trolling’ and I think it’s a very good description.
Wow you can see why the Tabloids like to drop Meghan’s name in a story. The trolls come out in droves to make comments. So many new names of commenters with 5000 angles about why H&M are bad if they earn money and bad if they don’t. One site where a lot of people don’t hate H&M and the trolls can’t stand it.
I honestly don’t know what type of brand they are pushing but if I were them I’d money up real fast (next 6 months to 2 years) while getting as much money as I can before the new shine wears off—being careful of associations—then after that I’d go straight foundation and philanthropy after that. Meaning that whatever monies comes in H/M aren’t paid.
While it’s true that they are well liked and will and can go on to do great things, their selling window to maximize personal profit and gain is only so wide and so long. IMHO, they cannot he compared to the Obamas. Hell, in some respects, Barack can’t be compared to Michelle and he was the actual President of the United States—not her. H/M have name recognition but they aren’t power players and shot callers like the O’s.
Also, people are not going to buy a book written by Meghan like they have with Michelle or Barack. The cookbook sold, and I bought one, because it helped a cause. Michelle and Barack are on a different level, a higher level—and even with them people are kind of side eyeing the money deals.
So, Harry/Meghan: Get in there fast. Get as much as you can carry. Hit em hard and hit often but keep it clean and classy. The shelf life for this sort of thing is small.’Then go the charity and foundation route for all proceeds.
Excuse me but can I borrow that crystal ball you have since you seem to “know” how much earning potential H&M have already? Who in their wildest dreams thought Michelle Obama would be selling out stadiums around the world after her book came out? I bet even she was shocked. I think Harry and Meghan do have the earning potential of the Obamas. Estimates of the Obamas net worth is about $70-140 million right now. I can see H&M in that range too.
OMG! The concern trolling here is ridiculous. Relax. Why are so many people allowing the Daily flipping Mail to steer the narrative? We don’t know what they are doing. We don’t know their strategy. We don’t even know if they are really going to be talking at a GS event. Either have faith in them as decent people or don’t. But stop letting the DM win the day.
@GuestWho, I think ‘concern trolling’ is a perfect description’. The old ‘I’m a fan, BUT…’ maneuver is pretty transparent. There are a lot of people who are very upset that THEY aren’t controlling Harry and Meghan’s every waking moment and are determined to exert as much pressure as they can. What they don’t know is that the people who run JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs don’t give a shit what the readers of the Daily Mail think, which is probably why Harry is working with them. Why should he allow the people who tortured his wife and baby have even a microscopic part of his new life?
“Concern Trolling” is 1000% what it is. From online haters to RRs writing articles like this.
The more Harry and Meghan make moves like this, the more obvious it gets that their financial independence is a real, tangible thing that is going to happen (and they won’t just be branding the Sussex name on mugs and stuff), which means they are NOT going to be trying to come back full time into the Royal Fold.
Harry and Meghan aren’t going to be taking advice from the RRs, the same people who tormented them (Meghan especially). There is zero reason for them to. They never wanted a “simpler life” (way to try and rewrite this whole thing Daily Fail) what they wanted was a private *personal* life, where RRs and others don’t feel entitled to them (and their kid) 24/7 and they’re just supposed to take any abuse wrt that. Yes, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan (and pretty much any other US Investment Banks frankly) don’t give two sh*ts what the UK tabloids, their readers or online trolls think. Neither do Harry and Meghan. Perfect match. This carping from the Daily Mail is about control and access, mainly the *loss* of control and access they and the other UK tabs are starting to understand they really are losing over H&M.
Or, let people think what they want? Is it a requirement to like everything a person does? Especially on a celebrity gossip website? I feel like you’re the one trying to control the narrative. An article was posted. People reacted based on the information available. If you don’t like the reaction, that person is a troll? Seriously?
The sheer number of brand new posters all stating the same concern trolling messages is obvious. If you care to pay attention.
No it isn’t a requirement to like everything a person does. But it SHOULD be a requirement to apply critical thinking.
I have noticed this as well Nota.
con·cern trol·ling
nounINFORMAL•DEROGATORY
the action or practice of disingenuously expressing concern about an issue in order to undermine or derail genuine discussion.
Reality: it’s difficult to donate to the Prince of Wales trust. Prince Charles deeply vets who he takes money from. Yes, George Clooney is gunning HARD for a knighthood and has been vetted and is pouring money into the trust. Ralph Lauren was successful in this same way, got his knighthood (finally). As for taking money from Wall St? Bankers? Lol. No. That’s not Prince Charles’ style. Plus, after Diana, he’s had to be SQUEAKY CLEAN. He cannot get caught up in “unclean” donors. You won’t find Prince Charles in Monte Carlo, etc.
LOL. A shady Indian billionaire Charles doesn’t know personally paid £500,000 to fund Charles’s 65th birthday party at BP. Charles is personal friends with members of the murderous Saudi royal family. Charles is nowhere near squeaky clean.
Oh please stop with the whitewashing of Charles. Google is your friend and just a couple years ago his associations and pay for play came into question.
I am sure the Sussexes will have very high standards before accepting cash. Meghan has been extremely careful with who she associates with. Exhibit 1: escaping from uncle Pedo. I bet Charles is not to bothered about who his brother did business with.
The money Charles gets is CLEAN and go DIRECTLY to his charity. That’s what the BRF does in order to continue to live off of taxpayer money. Get it?
The Royal Family as a whole is not squeaky clean when it comes to their finances and charities.
Anyone who believes that, hasn’t been paying attention for the past 30 years.
@A Guest correction: they haven’t been paying attention for the past 200+ years. Royalty have always made their wealth off the backs of the lower classes, and colonization was the foreign invasion version of that.
Maybe the Daily Fail could get their stories right for once – Meghan and Harry weren’t “holed up” in a Vancouver mansion, they were staying in a seaside home just outside of Victoria…on Vancouver Island you nitwits. I don’t like the connotation the Fail made that they are holed up either, that smacks of running away and hiding instead of running towards something they can work on in peace. I’ve no doubt that IF this story is true – and it is the Fail after all, not really known for the integrity of their reportage – their holing up is consisting of meetings, conference calls, organizing a master plan that will include cultivating big and small partnerships that can work synergistically together. This will also include developing a PR plan, working on the mental health initiative with Oprah and others in the media. We know how big a planner Meghan is and the valuable contacts she’s developed.
‘I don’t like the connotation the Fail made that they are holed up either, that smacks of running away and hiding instead of running towards something they can work on in peace.’
They’re bitter because their paparazzi were driven off, heehee.
Unless Harry and Meghan are meeting with members of drug cartels and organized crime this is a non issue. They were once “beholden” to a system where they were required to put their infant son on display hours after his birth, and endure racist and libelous attacks for queen and country. The Fail is mad because they can’t control them and Meghan hasn’t dropped the lawsuit. They can stay mad.
Idk where u guys live but we (US) don’t view folks going to Goldman Sachs/or any bank to give paid speeches a good look.
Bernies whole campaign at one point was how cuddly HRC is with Big Banks. These banks screwed us – we are not exactly in favor with them.
The suxxeses really need to pay attention to their strategy. So far its been pretty meh.
You don’t speak for anybody in the US but yourself. And as far as big banks, in my hometown of Detroit, Chase is funding an initiative to assist minority owned and women owned businesses, I don’t see anyone telling them to get out of town. Regarding the mortgage crisis, look at the hand that companies like HSBC, Deutsche Bank and RBS had in this situation. Particularly among people of color. Ask someone in TX, Louisiana or Georgia how they were treated by these investors and how many of them were stuck with 11% mortgages or driven into bankruptcy. Especially by HSBC headquartered in London.
@Coffee, if you speak for the people of the US, could you do something about your president?
Your president is screwing you, not Harry and Meghan. They have shown themselves to be dedicated philanthropists and I doubt very much if you lost your entire fortune because of Goldman Sachs.
@Coffee. I am from the US and you do not speak for me.
We aren’t privy to the long term plans so I’ll withhold judgment to see what happens..wish them well
Ugh I hate the idea that even Prince Harry has to deal with the “you’ll get paid in exposure” rubbish.
Then how else will they build their philanthropic organization? Sending out free pens and key chain tags for donations of a few dollars? Sure they need to get paid but their focus is generating $$ for their foundations, not bilking millions out of shady and criminal deals like….your president?
GS helped to break the world. Are they really the best ally?
On the other hand, Goldman Sachs works with over 100 academic and nonprofit partners and is routinely among the leaders identified in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. In 2011, one of Goldman Sachs’ philanthropic programs, 10,000 Women, received the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy’s coveted Chairman’s Award. Do your research.
Mm hmm.
I see how things flow Around here, when its ur favs all is forgiven.
Many people were screwed over by these banks and it wasnt a good look for the politicians and it isnt for them. If you want to ignore/forget the the recession, great.
@Coffee, well it’s obvious the Sussexes aren’t your “favs” since you don’t express the same level of derision and skepticism towards any of the other royals. Maybe you should just by-pass the Sussex threads altogether until you’ve completely refreshed your memory on how the Empire, along with its bankers, industrialists and merchants, grew and why some of the ignorant masses still cling to the ideas of empire, royalty and national pride, despite being totally excluded from the “merching” and money-making part of it.
@Jaded So, because GS tried to cover its arse after https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldman_Sachs_controversies (among others) it should be automatically exonerated? Because it does some figleaf work in ‘philanthropy’ its ongoing infestation of the Italian economy meaning that their debt mountain will never decrease, it should be overlooked? I don’t think so
*shrug* I’ve said a few times now that the Daily Mail has zero info about what Harry and Meghan are up to. They don’t have any sources, inside info or even leaks from rival courts to give them tips anymore. It’s all just fan fiction.
That JP Morgan thing clearly has the Royal Reporters (and haters) shook. That’s what stuff like this article is all about. And all the concern trolling about “Harry can’t keep talking about Diana forever” stuff too. One: IF the little reports about his JP Morgan talk are true, he mainly focused on his own mental health struggles dealing with his mother’s death – which he has every right to talk about if he wants to btw. And two: Harry’s world view and knowledge isn’t just limited to that and Mental Health. If you think so, then you’ve basically ignored the other things he’s done in his life, especially founding Sentebale and the Invictus Games. AIDS Care and Veterans Affairs are just two other things he could talk about right there if he so feels like it.
Anyway, if he ever does speak at some Goldman Sachs event, whatever. I *knew* things like this were coming. How do you think every former US President (since Nixon at least) has made money after office? How do you think people with foundations like Bill and Melinda Gates’ function? Or all other foundations established by millionaires and billionaires? Kaiser is correct, the Royal Family would *kill* to have some US Investment Banks on their side, investing in *them.* Even if he IS scum, Prince Andrew would have likely *killed* for JP Morgan or Goldman Sachs to take an interest in him. Same goes for Prince William and Prince Charles too.
People keep thinking Harry is stupid. Some even really keep treating and writing about this grown 35 year old man like he’s still 12 years old. I’ve said before that people only think this because he’s not “book” smart. Harry has clear “street” smarts however, that’s been clear for years IMO. AT the Oscars, Bob Iger let it be known that he’s known Harry for years before Meghan. He met The Obamas on his own, and established a clear friendship/relationship with them. Harry has low-key been meeting and making deals with people like this for a time now (usually in relation to promoting and getting sponsorship for the Invictus Games). Now he’s meeting and schmoozing with more such people.
As said, I’ll never cape for any of the Too Big To Fail Banks. But seeing the panic and anger at Harry and Meghan doing things like this – real and rumored – instead of the haters dream of them selling trinkets on their website and such just has me cackling. Make that personal money y’all. Because hey, if they do end up making billions, then the sooner they can pay for their own security and finally sever all ties financially. (And people – RRs especially – will hopefully *finally* get it though their heads that they *aren’t coming back*.)
Right, Obama got criticized for getting paid $400K a pop for speeches to Cantor Fitzgerald, A&E etc. Obama needed some funds to fund his production company (which just won an Oscar). How else was he supposed to fund his production company?
Exactly @Emmitt . And I fully believe a production company is one of the revenue streams that Harry and Meghan are looking into doing, along with their foundation.
FYI, this is also why I don’t expect to ever see them at the Oscars (unless they are nominated). It’s one of the many reasons Meghan will not be going back into acting. Things like the JP Morgan talk, things like lying low in Canada and only popping up highly in public for charity work or to go to an event like the JP Morgan one, show a *seriousness* to potential investors about the route Harry and Meghan wish to go with this.
There was a recent article from Forbes about the JP Morgan talk that hints that, even though it’s early days yet, the sign/signal they are sending to investors and the investment sector is a good one: https://www.forbes.com/sites/guymartin/2020/02/07/the-dinner-speeches-heres-how-prince-harrys-new-financial-independence-from-the-crown-will-be-won/#4adc4ce46805
Goldman Sachs represent real power and money. Remember the whole thing about wanting to broadcast Hillary’s Goldman Sachs speeches during last election? Apparently their nickname is Government Sachs. Both Democratic and Republican administrations have hired Goldman Sachs alumni to prominent position, whether Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump. Again, this speech hasn’t been confirmed by anyone. My main takeaway from this whole brouhaha is fear, of what they will do, say, and earn fully unleashed. Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.
Yep, they are nicknamed Government Sachs, it’s true.
To put it bluntly and honestly, *nobody* in the US really likes Goldman Sachs, or any of the other Wall Street Investment banks. David Benioff, one of the writers of Game of Thrones, was already catching hell for the terrible final season of that show, but when people found out his father had been the head of Goldman Sachs and that Benioff had ZERO experience running a show, script writing or anything else before HBO let him a D.B. Weiss do Game of Thrones, well. That dislike of him grew even more. Because it was abundantly clear that it was his connects to Goldman that had HBO signing off on him and Weiss as showrunners, even though they had zero experience in that sphere.
People know the amount of real power and influence being tied to Goldman Sachs gives a person. If Goldman Sachs really is committed to getting off fossil fuels as they’ve been saying lately, then guess what? It may take time, but it *will* happen.
Don’t know if Harry is really going to get involved with them, or if the Daily Mail is just blowing smoke. But if he does then, quite frankly, it is a bold-ass power move. It would give him the connects and power to do some real stuff, get involved in some big things. Start up some big stuff. And that’s what has the Daily Mail and RRs fearful and lashing out. Be careful what you wish for indeed.
Harry was clearly already making power moves like this before he met Meghan. Him staying as a working member of the Royal Family is probably what was holding him back from doing things like this. Now that he’s out . . . .
Well said. I find it quite amusing that some of the same people who were initially crowing about how difficult it would supposedly be for the Sussexes to become financially independent are now balking at their involvement with some of the biggest establishments in the world. I’m quite certain that they were hoping for a reality show/Fergie type of path where they could point and laugh at Harry and Meghan.
And like you said, it’s also quite interesting how these commenters keep skating over the various topics that Harry has dealt with in favor of focusing on his mother’s death. The flipside to growing up in a privileged bubble is that he’s also been afforded opportunities to see more of the world than most people. It’s clear that he’s taken those opportunities consistently throughout his life. He has experiences in topics beyond royalty & royal tragedies to discuss, as much as his detractors hate to admit it.
@Beach Dreams – This is exactly the problem people have. They expected Meghan and Harry to be doing reality TV and product endorsements so they can laugh at them and claim that Meghan really just want to be famous. They wanted stories of Meghan begging for roles in hollywood. Instead the Sussexs are going dark and privately rubbing elbows with the 1% to start their foundation. Harry’s taking the lead with the fundraising and Meghans dipped her toes into some small local charities to support. It’s the exact opposite of what people claimed would happen. Now they are bitter that they seem to have actual businesses and “important” people interested in teaming up with them without cameras or sponsorship deals involved.
Exactly @morrigan01. Game recognizes game. World leaders, CEOs, and other power players recognize Harry. The Obamas, Bob Iger, Oprah, JP Morgan, and many others. Harry has built up these relationships himself over the years. If he were an idiot and a dimwitted party boy, as his countrymen who supposedly are fond of him claim he is, then none of those people would have anything to do with him. Harry has the juice. Meghan has it as well. He’s in those circles now because that’s where he’s supposed to be.
Who is going to put these two in the same league as the Obamas?
Where I come from, a 4 yr degree is the bare minimum. No one is going to look at you if you have anything less. Meghan has a 4 year degree, but yeah so does everyone I know. Nothing special there. Harry doesn’t even have a college education. Sorry, who is going to listen to these two?
And see, right here, my point about “book” smarts and “street” smarts.
Having a 4 year degree doesn’t mean you are smart or known anything. Trump has a 4 year degree (and supposedly a graduate degree). Dude inherited money from his dad and went bankrupt more than once.
Whereas there are people out there who’ve had no college education, and have amassed large personal fortunes (and having never gone bankrupt). Hell, both Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard before graduating.
There are life experiences Harry has had that people might be interested in hearing about. JP Morgan, and people who attended the event Harry spoke at were clearly interested. Because people who were in that room understand that having a 4 year degree doesn’t automatically mean that person has anything interesting or insightful to say or talk about. I’d bet not everyone in that room had a 4 year or post-graduate degree either. Events like this, and the people who attend them don’t measure people on that.
Didn’t read your comment before I posted mine but I was thinking about Trump specifically as well as his progeny.
Apparatus lot of people, hence this thread. The things they’ve done, places they’ve been and experiences they have are unmatched by a lot of people with more credentials. They make the most of their opportunities and are those rare people who are having several different life chapters. Didn’t Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey and a whole slew of business leaders drop out of college? Seems to be the route to tech billions anyway. Harry went Eton, one of the most elite schools in the world, and Sandhurst (UK Westpoint).. I’d love to see then speak or just be in the same room, a dai would a lot of other people . Rhey may not be your vibe but you’re way off base on this point.
*Apparently*
Who is going to listen to these two? the United Nations for one. JP Morgan for another. Apparently Goldman Sachs. Countless other people they’ve each spoken in front of over the past decade. Your worldview seems limited.
Another brand new name, this time bashing Harry because the UK education system failed to recognize and serve a dyslexic child.
Ellen DeGeneres, Steve Jobs (Apple), David Geffen, Paul Allen (Microsoft), Larry Page (Google), Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Steven Spielberg, Bill Gates, Ralph Lauren, James Cameron.
Guess nobody listens/listened to those people either, seeing as none of them have college degrees.
Clearly they’re getting the interest of big names…and the resulting ire of people like the royal reporters and you.
Degrees mean nothing. Some of the most abhorrent, immoral and unlikable people I’ve ever known had multiple degrees. You know what makes people like Harry and Meghan successful? Hard work, a big heart, morals and a rich life experience. You sound like a total degree elitist to me. Too bad you’re lacking in compassion.
Degrees mean nothing.
———————————————————————————
Especially when they are not earned — I’ve read about certain high profile individuals who got their degree because of the family name not because of their hard work.
@carmen, maybe degrees mean nothing but they ask if you have one when you apply for a sales position at a department store.
@Rhos says, “they ask if you have one when you apply for a sales position”. Are we to assume you don’t know and/or understand why this done, since your observation is irrelevant to the level of “work” being discussed here.
Diana did not have an academic education either. She was worthy to be listened to. plenty of people are.
I expect everyone who has a problem with a speech to JP Morgan or Goldman Sachs to turn their IRAs and 401Ks over to me immediately.
Thanks.
Or me please, thanks, I could use it!
There is a reason the term Too Big To Fail was given to the investment banking sector, specifically the US ones. It’s because these systems are so interconnected into *so* many aspects of life, that if any of them were allowed to actually fail, not only would the whole financial system come crashing down with them, but systems and things not even related to banking would start going down too. (Scariest thing about the 2008 crash was that healthy blue chip business that had nothing to do with banking, like General Electric, began to experience problems funding simple day to day operations).
People have no clue how much of the simple things they do, use and buy in life are connected to the large investment bank firms and such, not even just their IRA, 401Ks and the like. No one’s lives are untouched by them, so trying to apply some purity standard to this is just, ugh. I many not like the Too Big To Fail banks, but I’m pragmatic and realistic about how this all works.
Yes but we arent all wagging our fingers about environmental causes
@loras, do we not all live on the same planet? Do we not all have the right to express concern about our common environment? I have never heard Harry say give up all cars and walk everywhere. And cars are one of the largest sources of pollution, right behind the generation of electricity. I think promoting awareness of conservation is the only thing we can do because the world is not going back in time in terms of modes of transportation or lifestyle. Someone like Prince Harry who has a big audience can motivate people to make small changes which can add up. People who keep flinging this “hypocrisy “ label at everything are being needlessly truculent.
@Loras and Goldman Sachs has already started talking about getting people off fossil fuels, so what is your point? Meghan has never talked about Environmental Issues, whereas Prince Charles has been talking about them since the 60s, and flies around in private jets all the time.
Trying to use Environmental Issues as a cudgel against Harry and Meghan (but mostly Meghan) is nothing but trolling. Businesses like Goldman Sache are actually the people with the real power to do something on a larger scale about the issue if they so choose. And, so far, it appears that that is what they are choosing.
@loras says, “we arent all wagging our fingers about environmental causes”. You’re absolutely right, @lorus; the Sussexes haven’t wagged one finger. But, Prince Charles and Woke Willie have. So, get off their azzes with that hypocritical BS.
I think Meghan should start producing and acting in fabulous Indie movies, then Harry could spend time with his amazing little one. And in their free time, they can develop and nurture the charities, or causes that are closest to their hearts. I realise this is a bit eccentric, but it sounds like a great life, in my opinion. Peace ✌️
Well I think Meghan and Harry should tell these people “deuces” and keep it moving. Let the critics and complainers sing to each other. Those who support them can get on board and those who don’t can step off.
Im really looking forward to the countless meltdowns from people regarding anything Harry and Meghan related.
“I can’t believe Harry gave a speech at that corporation. Did you know that they hired someone that had a parking ticket? Harry is associating himself with CRMINALS!”
Because the royal family are full of angels.
at least they’re trying to get paying gigs and to get independent. good for them.
Ditto. What’s so ridiculous about some these concern trolls is that they have no solid information about what the Sussexes really want for their lives and livelihood (not that it’s their business in the first place). Maybe the DoS wants to do charity work on the side and be a stay-at-home mom, and raise a family. Maybe the Duke wants to go to work like a traditional husband and head to the office everyday. All this in-depth analysis, speculation and ill-informed professional advice is absurd. I can’t imagine what some of these people are like IRL with their blatant concern trolling and sanctimonious tut-tutting.
What I see is a couple who wants to learn. I think that information and knowledge might be more important to them than money at this early stage. What is the take away for them from this event? What can they learn and use on their journey to shape their own brand of philanthropy? The good stuff, the mistakes etc. that others have made. They have some experience but want to build on what they’ve accomplished. I see nothing wrong in attending. Especially since we don’t know Jack what went on or who was there. It’s all part of the process.
I am a big fan of Prince Harry and Meghan. And I felt so bad about that article in the New York Post by Maureen Callahan. Why shred them to pieces? Why can’t some people just be happy about them wanting to be happy? Sad….
I hope that all of you people criticizing M/H are out there doing God’s work in your everyday lives. I have a corporate job, not because I think it’s the best possible way to change the world but because I have mouths to feed. Don’t get me wrong. I do what I can to make the world a better place (i.e. making charitable contributions, voting for progressive candidates, following the golden rule…) but I also do what I have to do to make sure my family survives in this capitalist society. I think some of you are holding Meghan and Harry to standards to which you wouldn’t hold yourselves. Please get a grip…
Harry and Meghan have enough to keep them extremely well fed for a 100 lifetimes, that’s the difference. They’re extremely wealthy, which means they have they have options. They don’t have to compromise their morals to survive, they’re already set. They’re the .1%, they’re entirely free to be picky in ways the 99.9 aren’t.
Bravo to them👏👏👏. I hope the billion estimates become true. The courtiers and their bosses are panicking about this that KP even stepped up to personally refute harry earning that much money🤭and said it was for a future work for his charity.
The nypost did a full report lady year about other members like Philip, Charles and katiekeen+NormalBill charging $50k for guests to meet them at events. The fools must be embarrassed to have been charging cheap🤭
https://nypost.com/2019/12/14/americans-donate-big-to-british-royal-family-charities-which-skimp-on-their-cause/
Well, apparently the talks were related to one of Harrys patronage’s and have been in the works for quite a while. “Sources have confirmed to BAZAAR.com, however, that any potential partnership with Goldman Sachs dates back to before Harry’s departure as a working senior royal and is in conjunction with one of the Duke of Sussex’s many official patronages“. The British press have a bit of egg on their face – not that they care about the truth. Perhaps we should stop speculating on things we know nothing about. They’ll still make a lot of money, and form lucrative partnerships, may be doing so as of right now and they have every right to.