Prince Harry, who is set to turn 40 later this month, has found himself at the centre of media scrutiny, with American outlet Page Six taking aim at what it describes as his “mid-life crisis”.
As Harry prepares to celebrate the milestone birthday, the media has been quick to highlight his increasing estrangement from his royal family, particularly his brother, Prince William.
Adding to the tension is the recent move by world-renowned chef José Andrés, a longtime ally of Harry and Meghan Markle, to join the board of Prince William’s Earthshot Prize.
This decision has sparked controversy, with some seeing it as a significant blow to the Sussexes.
A former royal advisor, speaking to The Daily Beast, described Andrés’ decision as “humiliating” for Harry and Meghan.
“José Andrés is a uniquely respected figure, and he was very much promoted by the Sussexes over the Covid years”, the advisor said. “The fact that William can just poach him for Earthshot is not just humiliating for Harry and Meghan, it is a very graphic illustration of the power differential between William and Harry.
“Faced with a choice, when it comes to advancing the goals of his organization, Andrés has chosen to be allied with the future king of England, and Harry and Meghan will have to either accept it or cut ties with him themselves.”
Page Six didn’t hold back in its critique of Harry’s upcoming birthday celebrations. The outlet described the Duke of Sussex as entering a “mid-life crisis,” pointing out that while Harry prepares for a star-studded party in California, he remains 5,000 miles away from his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William.
The two brothers, once inseparable, have barely spoken in recent years, with Harry’s controversial memoir Spare and his tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey only widening the rift.
José Andrés, known for his humanitarian efforts through World Central Kitchen (WCK), has long been supported by Harry and Meghan. The couple’s Archewell Foundation has donated significant sums to WCK, and the Sussexes have publicly praised Andrés as a “longtime friend and partner”.
However, Andrés’ recent decision to join Earthshot, William’s high-profile environmental initiative, has left many questioning the future of his relationship with Harry and Meghan.
The Earthshot Prize, which awards millions of dollars to innovators working on solutions to the climate crisis, was launched by Prince William as a key part of his environmental advocacy. Andrés’ role will see him working closely with William and other prominent figures like Sir David Attenborough.
Andrés said in a statement on the prize’s website: “I am thrilled to join the Earthshot Prize Council to help showcase the changemakers pushing the boundaries of innovation and ingenuity around the world.”
