Duke of Sussex Set to Speak at Canadian Real Estate Conference

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is preparing to deliver a keynote address at the Power House Conference in Toronto, Canada, next month. This event, aimed at estate agents, has drawn attention not only for its focus on real estate but also for the unique decision of a member of the British royal family to engage in public speaking on such a topic.

Harry, who has openly shared his struggles with public speaking in his memoir, *Spare*, has described feelings of anxiety before addressing audiences. In a candid moment, he recounted how he would often be “soaked in sweat” before a speech, recalling an incident where his brother, Prince William, teased him following a panic attack at a public event. Despite these challenges, Harry’s upcoming appearance indicates a willingness to engage with audiences outside his royal duties.

The Power House Conference, which is expected to attract around 450 delegates, focuses on crucial issues such as real estate policy and the Canadian economy. Members of the Ontario Real Estate Association will pay C$299 (approximately £163) for admission, while non-members will incur a fee of C$499 (around £272). The financial specifics regarding how much of this revenue will fund Harry’s speaking fee remain undisclosed.

Amusement surrounding Harry’s participation has surfaced among his former classmates from Eton College, who have expressed skepticism about the value of his insights on housing supply. One alumnus remarked, “I’m not sure how much I would pay to hear Harry hold forth on housing supply in Canada,” highlighting a gap between Harry’s new public persona and his previous academic reputation.

Despite his royal upbringing, Harry has gained some experience in the real estate market. In 2020, he purchased a mansion in Montecito, California, for £19.5 million, featuring lavish amenities such as a gym, spa, and tennis court. Additionally, he and his wife, Meghan Markle, acquired a coastal home in Portugal last year. However, Harry’s direct experience with Canadian real estate has been limited to personal visits, including a three-bedroom home in Toronto where Meghan lived during her time filming the series *Suits*.

As Harry prepares for this speaking engagement, delegates have been informed that he will deliver a “powerful message of service and leadership.” This description prompted a royal source to comment critically on the couple’s transition away from royal duties, stating, “Harry and Meghan gave up their message of service and leadership when they left Britain and their royal duties behind.” This raises questions about the motivations behind their public engagements since stepping back from royal life.

In stark contrast, Prince William recently addressed world leaders at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, where he focused on environmental issues and the initiatives of his charity, the Earthshot Prize, which has raised £24 million in its most recent financial year. His speech resonated with a global audience, showcasing the impact of royal engagements on pressing societal challenges.

Furthermore, Princess Catherine, also known as the Princess of Wales, made headlines with her first public speech in two years, where she emphasized the importance of “time and tenderness” in business alongside profit. This highlights the contrasting pathways taken by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex compared to their royal counterparts.

Harry’s current focus appears to be on balancing his philanthropic endeavors, such as the Invictus Games, with the need for income generation. Although he initially envisioned Meghan as the primary breadwinner through her entertainment ventures, his foray into speaking engagements, such as the one in Canada, suggests a shift in strategy to ensure financial stability.

Following a meeting with King Charles III in September, Harry expressed a desire to refocus on family, stating that “the focus has to be on my dad.” As he prepares for the Toronto conference, he may reflect on the implications of his and Meghan’s choices, particularly regarding their roles and influence within the royal family and beyond.

As the Duke of Sussex stands before a gathering of estate agents next month, the contrasting paths of his family members may weigh heavily on his mind, prompting reflection on the decisions that have shaped his current circumstances.