Prince Harry’s new corporate roles could be an attempt to try and “keep up with” Meghan Markle, a celebrity agent has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex, 36, was recently revealed as an executive at a start-up company based in Silicon Valley, California.
He will serve as chief impact officer at BetterUp, a mental health business reportedly valued at more than $1billion.
Showbiz agent Jonathan Shalit has claimed today that the prince may be taking on jobs in a bid to keep pace with Meghan, 39.
He told the Telegraph: “So for Harry to keep up with his wife, he’s got to find his own name and identity and this is the start.
“He doesn’t need celebrity. When you’re Royal, you’re the biggest celebrity in the world.
“But what this does is allow Harry to have relevance.”
Mr Shalit, who said he had met the Duchess of Sussex, described her as a “very bright, incredibly impressive” woman.
Harry’s role at BetterUp, which was founded in 2013, was announced six days ago.
The business works much like a dating app, allowing users to scroll through profiles of therapists and life coaches.
They then select a match.
The company’s CEO Alexi Robichaux said in a statement that Harry would “expand on the work he’s been doing for years” in his role.
So far, the prince’s working hours and salary have remained secret – with Mr Robichaux adding that Harry was dropping his royal titles.
Similar roles at other firms in California can reportedly command six or seven-figure fees.
Harry was also in the last week appointed as a commissioner at a US think tank looking into disinformation in the media.
He announced he will join the Aspen Institute as he voice concerns over the “avalanche of misinformation”.
There has also been some discussion recently around which visa Harry will work on in the US.
Experts have suggested that the prince could work on credentials allocated to people with “extraordinary ability” – like Justin Bieber.
The Canadian singer has previously used the O-1 visa, which works for up to three years.
It is thought that Harry’s work for the Invictus Games – particularly with injured servicemen – could qualify him.
Harry and Meghan quit royal duties in March 2020 before eventually moving to Montecito, California.
