Prince Harry has come under renewed criticism following allegations linked to African Parks, the conservation charity with which he has been associated. Campaigners have raised concerns over reported human rights abuses against Indigenous Baka communities in the Republic of the Congo, placing the Duke of Sussex under increased scrutiny.
Among those weighing in on the situation is former royal butler Grant Harrold, who once worked closely with Harry's parents. Speaking with TalkTV host Mark Dolan, Harrold suggested that controversy has become a recurring theme in Harry's public life.
According to Harrold, the constant headlines surrounding the Duke are difficult to ignore.
"His grandmother, the late Queen, I believe she only had two legal issues during her entire lifetime," he said. "Yet her grandson seems to be making headlines almost every week because of some legal matter."
Harrold also argued that the ongoing negative attention could be affecting projects that were once viewed as Harry's greatest successes, including the Invictus Games. Referring to concerns raised by some observers, he said the event has been impacted by what they see as the growing toxicity surrounding the Sussex brand.
"They feel it's been affected by the toxicity of the Sussex brand when it should be about the veterans," he explained. "The problem for Harry is that the one area where he was widely praised was his charity work, and even that now appears to be facing challenges."
The former royal employee went on to suggest that Harry's current situation might have been very different had he remained a working member of the Royal Family and maintained closer ties with his relatives.
"If he was still very much a working royal and had a strong relationship with his family, this wouldn't be happening," Harrold claimed. "He would still be doing the work he was genuinely good at."
Drawing comparisons with other members of the Royal Family who have faced public criticism, Harrold argued that organisations can become reluctant to maintain associations with individuals viewed as controversial.
"In reality, when someone becomes an embarrassment or a problem for the Royal Family, other organisations and charities may not want that connection anymore," he said.
Despite his criticism, Harrold expressed sympathy for charities connected to Harry, suggesting many may still value his involvement while worrying about possible repercussions.
"I feel sorry for some of these charities because they probably admire Harry," he added. "But they may also be wondering whether an association with him could create problems with other members of the Royal Family. You can understand why they'd think that."
He concluded by saying that, in his view, many of Harry's current difficulties are the result of decisions he has made himself.
"I don't really want to say it, but he has brought a lot of this on himself."
