Meghan and Harry’s Investment Backfires: A Closer Look at Ethic’s Controversial Holdings

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle find themselves in a tight spot as they battle accusations of hypocrisy following a damning verdict.

The sustainable investment firm, Ethic, endorsed by the royal couple, has come under fire for its ownership of shares in Rupert Murdoch's Fox Corp and manufacturers of lethal laser-guided bombs.

Despite projecting an image steeped in left-wing activism, particularly on issues like climate change and global poverty, Ethic has vehemently defended itself against claims of inconsistency.

Ethic distinguishes itself from other ethical investment funds by allowing customers to handpick their political priorities for investments.

It offers custom portfolios tailored to match these preferences.

However, scrutiny reveals that some of the firm's $1.3 billion assets under management sharply contradict the Sussexes' environmental advocacy.

Prince Harry recently emphasized in The Washington Post the necessity for companies to cease exploiting African nations like Botswana for oil, a sentiment at odds with Ethic's current investments.

Royal expert Penny Junor weighed in on the situation, cautioning that Meghan and Harry's association with Ethic could pave the way for significant challenges.

Junor suggested that the couple might be courting trouble and setting themselves up for a fall by aligning with the controversial firm.

The duo, in their capacity as chief impact officers for Ethic, expressed a desire to revolutionize investment practices to address global challenges collectively.

Despite allegations that the stocks held by Ethic and endorsed by the royal couple appear hypocritical, a spokesperson for the firm maintained that their primary focus is constructing investment portfolios based on customer preferences rather than personal ethics.

Notably, Ethic has invested $539,000 in Fox Corp, a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch's media empire known for its conservative stance.

The network, including Fox News, has been critical of Meghan and Harry, with presenters taking jabs at the couple's decisions and public image.

The investment in Fox Corp may come as a surprise to Prince Harry, who previously lambasted Murdoch-owned newspapers for spreading misinformation about him and Meghan.

Notably, the Sussexes have faced criticism from prominent Fox News hosts, including Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity, over various issues.

Additionally, Ethic's clients hold shares in Raytheon, a major player in the defense industry, known for its lucrative weapons sales and recent advancements in hypersonic missile technology.

The firm also holds shares in retail giants Amazon and Walgreens, despite criticisms levied against these companies for environmental and social justice concerns.

Ethic's affluent clients have substantial investments in tech behemoths like Twitter, Facebook, and Google, despite the royal couple's vocal opposition to online hate and misinformation.

Ethic's diverse investment strategy, managing substantial funds for affluent clients, underscores the complex landscape of ethical investing.

The juxtaposition of supporting social media giants alongside traditional oil and defense industries exposes the intricacies and challenges inherent in navigating ethical boundaries within the investment sphere.

Meghan and Harry's partnership with Ethic has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of personal values, financial decisions, and social impact in today's investment landscape.