Prince Harry has narrowly avoided a run-in with a pal who now works for his estranged brother, Prince William.
The younger prince, whose decision to step down as a senior royal caused shockwaves in 2020, appeared as a star guest at the Clinton Foundation summit in New York today, which is intending to find solutions to global challenges including the climate emergency, homelessness and the 'global killer' lead poisoning crisis.
A number of high-profile individuals attended the event, including former US President Bill Clinton, renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, and Laurene Powell Jobs - the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Harry, 40, looked quite at ease as he took to the mic, delivering an impassioned speech about the dangers faced by children and young people in the age of social media. However, one guest present at the summit may have proven awkward for the Duke of Sussex, in light of his fraught relations with his family.
READ MORE: Prince Harry makes cheeky nod to 'getting into trouble' with royals in powerful speech
Celeb and humanitarian activist José Andrés also spoke at the event, with his speech focusing on championing solutions to food waste and the need for leaders to listen to the 'voices of humanity' amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
A 'longtime friend and partner' of Harry and Meghan's, José is the founder of World Central Kitchen - a non-profit organisation that provides food relief in countries affected by crises. Earlier this month, Andrés raised eyebrows after joining the board of Prince William's Earthshot Prize - in what was viewed as a 'humiliating' turn of events for the Sussexes.
José, who is also a charity partner of Harry and Meghan's Archewell foundation, previously paid tribute to his 'dear friends' on their official website, writing: "You bring hope to each and every community you touch." A British reputation management consultant, who has worked with both William and Harry as well as the wider royal family told The Daily Beast that José's new appointment was 'humiliating' for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as 'a very graphic illustration of the power differential between William and Harry'.
Harry, whose bond with William shows no sign of healing, didn't cross paths with José, as they joined the event at different intervals. During his powerful speech, Harry took time to make a cheeky joke about 'getting into trouble' with the royals, much to the amusement of the audience. In an apparent nod to the wild antics of his younger days, Harry quipped: "Some say kids will be kids and well, that may well be true. Kids may get into trouble. I know a thing or two about that. But our kids are being targeted. The harmful effects of social media are made by design."
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