Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got divided support from the public when they announced that they would step back as senior members of the royal family. Now, the couple has been slammed anew for accepting a speaking engagement and getting paid by a firm that is accused of bankrolling funding on fossil fuel endeavors.
Part of Harry and Meghan's plan when they decided to leave the royal life is to be financially independent. This means they will no longer accept public funds and they have to work to make a living.
For the very first time since Queen Elizabeth II granted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wish, the couple accepted their first gig. It was a corporate event for JPMorgan in Miami and they were, reportedly, attended as "keynote speakers."
It is unclear if Harry and Meghan got paid as speakers at the event. However, it is common for speakers at corporate events to receive compensation.
Reports have it that the couple has been paid almost one million to be part of JPMorgan's Alternative Investment Summit, which is being held annually in Miami. The event has been attended by famous businessmen such as Bill Gates and Alex Rodriguez.
Some have expressed their disappointment to the pair for accepting payment from a financial firm that, allegedly, bankrolls companies that support the use of fossil fuel. The Sun (via Express) cited PR expert Mark Borkowski as saying the couple's decision to work with JPMorgan will affect their image.
"How they accept money, and from whom, is going to be a challenge going forward...If you preach, you should practice what you preach...When it comes to the rich and famous there is an awful lot of hypocrisy over climate change," he said.
A US charity group, Rainforest Action Network, made the allegation against JPMorgan a few months ago. The firm has been accused of spending around hundreds of billions of dollars companies that support and carry out fracking and Arctic oil and gas exploration, as well as other fossil fuel ventures.
The Sussexes have been known as eco-warriors and have, previously, expressed their objection to these king of endeavors. They claimed it is "jeopardizing" the Earth.
Numerous royal fans took to Twitter to express their thoughts about Harry and Meghan's first speaking engagement. Many think that the couple needs to choose wisely on where they would appear as this would not only affect their image but also the charities that they are supporting.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the couple's private schedule.
