Royal Expert Accuses Prince Harry of a 'Cash Grab' and Capitalising on Princess Diana's Death

Prince Harry's MasterClass on grief, released online on 8 October 2026, has drawn a 'cash grab' accusation from British broadcaster Helena Chard. The criticism followed reports that the Duke of Sussex was paid to discuss losing his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The course, Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss, pairs Harry, 42, with neuroscientist Dr Mary-Frances O'Connor. It was released ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Harry has previously discussed the impact of Diana's death, but the reported payment has renewed scrutiny of his public accounts.

A source close to Harry confirmed to the Press Association that he received payment, while declining to specify the terms. That confirmation does not establish how much he earned or why he agreed to participate.

Prince Harry's MasterClass Fee Under Scrutiny

The Daily Mail reported that Harry may have received up to $100,000 (€89,000 and £75,000) for taking part, potentially with additional subscription-related income. No independently verified contract or financial breakdown has been released. The figure remains an estimate, not an established payment.

A separate 30% revenue-share figure has appeared in coverage, but it comes from older reporting about arrangements for MasterClass instructors generally. There is no verified evidence that Harry personally agreed to receive that percentage. Treating it as his actual contract would overstate what is known.

Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, criticised the appearance in an interview with Fox News Digital published on 16 October. She called it a 'cash grab, cashing in on his mother's death' and argued that Harry repeatedly portrays himself as a victim. Those are Chard's opinions about his public appearances, not established facts about his financial motives.

Harry's payment was acknowledged by a source close to him, who urged people to watch the programme before judging it. Fox News Digital also said it contacted Archewell and MasterClass for comment. No detailed public explanation of Harry's financial terms appears in the cited reporting.

The course itself is more than an account of the princess's death. MasterClass lists 20 lessons lasting about one hour and 39 minutes, covering grief's effects on the brain and body. The programme addresses emotional suppression, coping techniques and rebuilding a sense of purpose following loss.

In its official launch announcement, MasterClass said it was supporting two bereavement organisations, Scotty's Little Soldiers and Comfort Zone Camp. The former supports children and young people affected by bereavement in the British Armed Forces community. The latter provides support for grieving children in the United States.

The company did not specify the value of its assistance or say that either charity would receive Harry's fee. Those details matter when assessing the relationship between the paid course and its stated charitable purpose.

Prince Harry's Memories of Diana Draw a Divided Response

Diana died in Paris on 31 August 1997, when Harry was 12. The 30th anniversary of her death falls in August 2027. Her brother, Charles Spencer, published Swan Song: Diana, My Sister on 22 September 2026, offering his own account of her life.

Harry, meanwhile, has reportedly considered ways to mark the anniversary, potentially including a documentary. No confirmed documentary production or agreement involving his uncle has been established.

During the MasterClass, Harry described how shutting out painful emotions also affected his memories of his mother. He said he struggled to recall her voice and laugh or picture her without looking at photographs. Those recollections were presented as his personal experience rather than a universal account of bereavement.

He also described feeling guilty about the prospect of happiness without Diana. Over time, he said, he began to believe she would have wanted him to enjoy his life. That change forms part of the course's discussion of finding a way forward after a loss.

Not every royal commentator viewed the appearance as inappropriate. Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital he considered Harry's willingness to speak openly 'an act of bravery'. He argued that public discussions of grief and mental health might encourage others to seek support.