In a surprising career move that's sending ripples through both royal and business circles, Prince Harry has officially entered the corporate world. The Duke of Sussex has been appointed as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, a fast-growing mental health and coaching platform based in the United States.
A Royal First in Corporate Leadership
This landmark appointment represents Harry's first formal corporate position since he and Meghan Markle stepped back from their senior royal roles last year. The position will see the Duke working remotely from his California home while collaborating with the San Francisco-based company's executive team.
BetterUp, valued at approximately $1.2 billion, provides coaching and mental health support to employees at major corporations including Google, Salesforce, and Chevron. The company confirmed that Harry will play a crucial role in driving the platform's mission to make coaching more accessible worldwide.
Beyond Ceremonial Duties
Unlike many royal engagements with charitable organisations, this isn't a ceremonial role. As Chief Impact Officer, Harry will be involved in:
- Product strategy and development decisions
- Guiding the company's social mission and advocacy work
- Speaking publicly about mental health in workplace settings
- Shaping community initiatives and charitable partnerships
"This is about putting the work in," a source close to the Duke revealed. "Harry wants to contribute meaningfully to the conversation around mental health in professional environments."
Mental Health Advocacy Meets Corporate Strategy
The appointment aligns perfectly with Harry's longstanding commitment to mental health awareness. Through his work with organisations like Heads Together and his recent Apple TV+ series with Oprah Winfrey, the Duke has consistently championed the importance of psychological wellbeing.
BetterUp CEO Alexi Robichaux expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that Harry's "personal experiences and forward-thinking approach make him uniquely qualified to help lead our mission."
Financial Independence Milestone
This corporate role represents a significant step in Harry and Meghan's journey toward financial independence from the Royal Family. Since relocating to California, the couple has established their Archewell Foundation and signed major production deals with Netflix and Spotify.
Industry analysts suggest the BetterUp position likely comes with a substantial compensation package, though neither party has disclosed financial details of the arrangement.
What This Means for the Royal Family
The move marks another departure from traditional royal career paths. While other royals have held military positions or focused on charitable work, Harry's entry into the tech startup world is unprecedented for a senior member of the Royal Family, even in his current non-working royal status.
Royal commentators note that this position further solidifies the Duke's transatlantic life and professional focus on social impact through corporate channels rather than traditional royal patronages.
The appointment comes as the Duke continues to settle into California life with Meghan and their son Archie, with their daughter expected this summer. This corporate role signals Harry's commitment to building a professional identity distinct from his royal heritage while maintaining his dedication to mental health advocacy.
