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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Honored for Stance Against Racism, But Critics Question the Award
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been hailed as brave for their outspoken stance against structural racism in the royal family.
The couple is set to be honored at the upcoming Ripple of Hope gala, organized by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation.
However, not everyone is convinced that the award is well-deserved.
During a discussion on Fox Business, host Ashley Webster jokingly praised the couple's bravery, while royal commentator Neil Sean criticized the decision to honor them.
He described the awards as a “shambles” and questioned their relevance in healing the rift between Harry and the royal family.
Sean further argued that awards are typically given for outstanding performances, suggesting that the couple should have been recognized for their interview with Oprah Winfrey instead.
He also pointed out another issue with the gala – the high ticket prices.
Guests who wish to sit at the main table with the Sussexes reportedly have to pay up to £840,000 ($1 million).
Royal author Angela Levin expressed concerns that Harry and Meghan's ambitions may be growing too big.
She hoped that their inflated egos would eventually burst, as people are becoming increasingly fed up with their actions and what she perceives as their arrogance.
The controversy surrounding the couple's recognition at the Ripple of Hope gala is not the first time they have faced criticism.
Earlier this year, empty seats were seen during Harry's speech at the United Nations, raising questions about their popularity and relevance.
The decision to honor the couple has also raised eyebrows due to the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation's own financial practices.
The organization reportedly distributed only $300,000 (£250,000) in grants in 2018, despite receiving a substantial $43 million in contributions.
Furthermore, Kerry Kennedy, the foundation's president and daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, received a salary of $555,000 that year – nearly twice the amount given out in grants.
Documents from the US Internal Revenue Service revealed that while the organization's income decreased in subsequent years, Kennedy's salary remained consistent.
Critics argue that this raises questions about the foundation's financial management and priorities.
Kerry Kennedy, who is the niece of President John F. Kennedy and daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, has also received additional compensation totaling $42,000 from the foundation and related organizations.
The Ripple of Hope award, previously bestowed upon notable figures such as Bill and Hillary Clinton and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, will now be given to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
However, some pundits have raised doubts about the appropriateness of honoring the couple, suggesting that the foundation should reevaluate its decision-making process.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the recognition of Harry and Meghan at the gala will be received by the public.
The debate surrounding their actions and the foundation's financial practices highlights the complexity of navigating issues of race, fame, and philanthropy in today's society.
