A former classmate of Prince Harry’s has responded with amusement to his upcoming speaking engagement.
The Duke of Sussex will address 450 property professionals at a Toronto real estate conference next month, accepting a paid speaking engagement despite his documented struggles with public appearances.
A former student from Eton College has responded with amusement to news of the duke’s forthcoming address.
“I’m not sure how much I would pay to hear Harry hold forth on housing supply in Canada,” one Old Etonian told the Mail upon learning about the speech.
Prince Harry’s ex-classmate speaks out on duke’s Canada trip with blunt remark
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The Duke of Sussex has previously described experiencing intense anxiety before speeches, writing in his autobiography that he becomes drenched in perspiration hours before events and finds his thoughts consumed by panic during performances.
The Power House conference promises attendees insights from prominent figures on property policy, housing availability and Canada’s economic landscape.
Conference participants must pay £163 for members of the Ontario Real Estate Association or £272 for non-members to attend the event.
The amount Harry will receive for his appearance remains undisclosed.
Conference organisers have promoted Harry’s appearance by stating he will deliver “a powerful message of service and leadership to the Power House stage”.
The duke’s property experience includes purchasing a £19.5million Montecito estate in 2020, featuring 13 bathrooms, wine storage, cinema facilities, fitness centre, spa, swimming pool and tennis court.
Harry’s need to accept commercial speaking opportunities indicates potential financial requirements, diverging from initial plans where he would concentrate on charitable initiatives, whilst Meghan secured income through entertainment projects.
The duke had intended to dedicate himself to philanthropic endeavours, including the Invictus Games for wounded servicemen.
The original strategy involved Meghan generating revenue via her Netflix productions and associated lifestyle ventures.
However, Harry’s acceptance of paid appearances like the Toronto engagement implies both partners now need to pursue income-generating activities.
Following his September meeting with the King at Clarence House, Harry expressed a desire to return to Britain with his family.
He told The Guardian that recent events had brought this possibility nearer, though his current commercial commitments suggest different priorities than his siblings’ diplomatic and charitable speeches.
The Duke’s brother recently delivered an environmental address to numerous global leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, at the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.
Prince William’s appearance followed his participation in Rio de Janeiro’s Earthshot Prize event, where he distributed five £1million awards to environmental activists.
The initiative, launched by William in 2020, aims to identify and support individuals creating practical environmental solutions.
The charity’s revenue reached £24million in its most recent financial year, marking its highest income to date.