Harry’s Controversial Title Sparks Debate Over Charity’s Struggles

In a recent letter to Wellchild, one of his remaining UK patronages, Prince Harry stirred up quite a bit of controversy.

He referred to himself as the charity's “royal patron,” a claim that has drawn criticism from various quarters.

Critics argue that since Wellchild is a private charity, he should simply be known as their patron.

This distinction is significant because it's how he managed to retain his association with the organization after stepping back from royal duties.

The Wellchild website clearly identifies Harry as their patron, but royal enthusiasts quickly pointed out the discrepancy in his wording.

This has led to a flurry of online discussions, with many questioning the appropriateness of his self-designation.

Amidst this debate, there's also concern regarding Wellchild's financial health, which has reportedly declined by 58% since Harry and Meghan's departure from royal life.

A deep dive into social media reveals that users are sharing insights about the charity's current situation.

One Reddit user highlighted Harry's overly grandiose announcement, suggesting that he omitted key information that could shed light on Wellchild's struggles.

The resignation of Wellchild's CEO, Colin Dyer, was noted as a potential red flag, especially in light of other high-profile departures among royal organizations.

Dyer stepped down in April 2022 after more than a decade at the helm, coinciding with several tumultuous events for Harry, including skipping Prince Philip's memorial service and the fallout from the infamous Oprah interview.

Following his resignation, Dyer took on a new role with the Special Olympics, a commendable organization.

While it's unclear if his departure is directly linked to Harry, the timing raises eyebrows.

Financially, Wellchild has been grappling with a sharp decline in revenue.

In 2020, the charity reported an income of £2.94 million, which plummeted to £1.9 million in 2021 and further down to £1.27 million in 2022.

This staggering drop translates to a loss of approximately $1.6 million, or 58%, making it difficult for the charity to sustain its operations.

With such a significant decrease in funds, Wellchild is facing tough choices.

In 2022, the charity spent $1.6 million, exceeding its income by $324,000.

While they currently have about $700,000 in net assets, this amount offers little long-term security given their operating expenses, which were $2.6 million in 2020, $2 million in 2021, and $1.6 million in 2022.

The trustees at Wellchild are now confronted with some hard decisions.

They need to analyze when the revenue decline began and what factors may have contributed to it.

As the new CEO, Matt James, takes charge, there's a pressing need for strategic action to stabilize the charity's finances and ensure continued support for the children and families they serve.

The financial realities are stark, and without immediate intervention, Wellchild may be forced to cut back on vital programs.

The charity is well-regarded, but it's clear that something must change to avoid further deterioration.

As the scrutiny around Harry's role continues, it raises questions about the future of his involvement with Wellchild.

It might be time for the organization to consider reaching out to Buckingham Palace for a new patron.

The charity deserves a figure who can genuinely support its mission without the baggage that has come to define Harry's public image.

Ultimately, the situation calls for a reevaluation of priorities and a renewed focus on the charity's core mission.