If even Prince Harry is actively trying to avoid controversy, he’s not doing a good job of it, as he’s reportedly trying to get into cahoots with Children in Need. For those unaware, Children in Need is a charity run by BBC, which is aimed at supporting and spreading awareness for disabled children in the UK. And according to BBC, Prince Harry has had a private meeting with the charity and will even donate a “substantial” amount at an upcoming event. Needless to say, very few think this is a good idea.
“The Sentebale effect strikes back,” reads a social post, referring to how Prince Harry resigned as the charity’s patron earlier this year. And now, the Invictus Games might be next to part ways with the ex-royal, as there are talks of members being very displeased with Harry’s poor reputation and ideals no longer being in line with what they once were. Yet, with all this backlash from both critics and his own charities, he still appears to be determined to make charities, specifically ones involved with disabled folks and disabled children, a part of his redemption arc. Unfortunately for him, Children in Need might not be the right move.
Children in Need Already Has a Shady Past, And Harry Would Make Things Worse
A Reddit user points out that Children in Need has its share of controversy, with one of the worst being that the proceeds didn’t even go to the children, but rather to the big-name hosts and artists who performed and were sponsored to show up. Multiple outlets have covered the controversy, including The London Standard and Daily Mail. Both donations and the charity’s reputation have dropped over the years, earning it the label of being “pity porn.” Yet, Prince Harry is determined and desperate to get any positive PR that he can, so now, he’s trying to prove himself as a notable donor for Children in Need.
“Sounds like he’s trying to buy favorable press by way of a ‘large donation’ to the BBC’s charity,” remarks a Reddit user. Another commenter points out how Harry might be trying to gain favor with BBC to help clear his image, but ironically, “BBC won’t be improving theirs by associating with Harry.” A third chimes in, adding that the publicly funded BBC has never been popular in the UK, and Children in Need has never had a patron. But Harry becoming a possible patron would “be the kiss of death to the charity,” not to mention all the baggage of controversy that charities are carrying these days, especially Children in Need. “What Harry ‘intends’ is a long way from what is reasonable and possible,” they conclude.
