Prince Harry faced a wave of criticism on social media after a speech blunder in New York, where he was speaking about the dangers of artificial intelligence. The Duke of Sussex was forced to end his address early after the autocue malfunctioned, prompting questions on X, formerly Twitter, about why the audience was listening to him in the first place.
Social media reaction to the speech
Users on X questioned Harry's qualifications to speak on the topic. @Alfurian wrote: "Harry isn't a world renowned AI expert." @stevepark4757 typed: "Since when was Harry an expert on AI? Who is advising this bloke to makes speeches on subjects he knows nothing about."
@HereClimbing replied: "He says nothing that nobody doesn’t know or think already." @kelley_ne wrote: "The person who wrote that speech for Harry is more qualified to lecture on the dangers of AI than that pathetic grifter."
Further criticism and context
@FontenotTracy said: "Harry’s PR team is working overtime… he’s the last person I would listen to. He is far from an AI subject matter expert." @wilbursbarn commented: "He knows nothing about AI. Just because he has the title Prince, suddenly he’s a tech genius? So stupid."
@1rightwife wrote: "Why is anyone pretending this man knows a damn thing about AI? Is it because he was born to a certain family? That doesn’t make him a damn expert on anything! Stop pretending he is smart."
Recent Sussex developments
The criticism comes after the Sussexes arrived in the UK just over a month ago, making a dramatic U-turn after quitting the working monarchy and heading to the US six years earlier. The move has not been plain sailing, with Harry and Meghan pulling their children Prince Archie and Lili out of their new school after just two days when heavy traffic in the area meant their private security team struggled to stay in a convoy during the school run. The youngsters are said to have transferred to a new school.
Tensions also grew between Team Sussex and the Royal Household when a letter, authorised by the King, was circulated to senior stakeholders in the Government reiterating the couple were "private citizens" and setting out guidance on how they should be treated. Harry and Meghan were said to have been caught off guard by the instructions, with the couple, who are waiting to hear whether they will be given taxpayer-funded security, reported to prefer the term "public figures" instead.
