Prince Harry has stepped down from his high-profile position as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, a US-based technology and mental health company, five years after joining the business on a reported $1 million-a-year deal.
The Duke of Sussex has been moved into a senior adviser position following his return to the UK with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children in August.
The change marks a significant shift in Harry’s corporate responsibilities in the United States, where he established several business and philanthropic interests after stepping away from frontline royal duties in 2020.
His departure from the executive position comes weeks after he spoke about his royal identity and expressed a desire to repair his strained relationship with members of the Royal Family.
BetterUp Chief Executive Confirms Harry’s New Position
BetterUp chief executive Alexi Robichaux announced the change, thanking Harry for his contributions during their five years of working together.
Robichaux described the period as an important chapter for the company and confirmed that the Duke would continue working with the business in a different capacity.
He said Harry would concentrate on key projects involving some of BetterUp’s largest enterprise customers, working alongside the company’s team and business partners.
According to Robichaux, the new arrangement would also allow Harry to devote more time to expanding his investment portfolio, exploring business opportunities and supporting philanthropic causes.
He added that he was pleased the Duke would remain involved in the company’s work.
Robichaux also praised Harry’s understanding of coaching and his efforts to promote mental fitness, describing him as an influential advocate for making coaching accessible to more people.
Harry Joined BetterUp After Leaving Royal Duties
Harry became BetterUp’s first Chief Impact Officer in 2021, following his relocation to the United States with Meghan.
The appointment was among his earliest major business engagements after the couple stepped away from their official royal responsibilities and pursued financial independence.
The Duke was introduced to Robichaux through a mutual friend after what became known as Megxit.
Harry had previously spoken about the benefits of professional coaching and his personal experience with the service.
At the time of his appointment, he said his coach had provided him with valuable advice and fresh perspectives.
He also explained that he wanted to help create a positive impact in people’s lives through proactive coaching, personal development and improved self-awareness.
His responsibilities included promoting mental fitness and helping guide BetterUp’s wider social mission.
Former Employees Raise Concerns About BetterUp’s Workplace Culture
Despite the company’s public presentation of its services and workplace benefits, BetterUp has faced criticism from some current and former employees.
Several workers have described the organisation as a difficult environment, with allegations of poor working conditions, excessive pressure and an atmosphere of fear.
Some former employees reportedly characterised the business as a psychologically unsafe workplace, while others criticised what they described as an elitist leadership culture.
In 2024, one employee reportedly accused senior leaders of lacking self-awareness and a moral compass.
The company has also faced criticism from a former customer who expressed concerns about confidentiality and privacy during coaching sessions.
Another individual described the company’s sales team as predatory.
A separate former employee said they were relieved to have withdrawn from the business after reading reviews that raised concerns about employee pay, sales pressure and repeated redundancies.
The criticism also included claims about Harry’s reported annual remuneration of more than $1 million.
Harry’s Public Engagements With BetterUp
During his time as Chief Impact Officer, Harry regularly represented BetterUp at public events, appearing both in person and through livestreamed discussions.
One of his appearances involved a conversation with late basketball star Kobe Bryant about mental fitness and helping people discover their potential.
The Duke also visited the company’s offices in San Francisco and Austin, Texas.
BetterUp’s offices feature facilities including yoga studios, lounge areas and spaces where employees can bring their dogs.
Harry’s involvement helped raise the company’s public profile, particularly through his advocacy for mental health awareness and professional coaching.
Duke Attends Remembrance Sunday Service in Northamptonshire
Harry’s move to an advisory position was announced as he made a low-key appearance at a Remembrance Sunday service in Brackley, Northamptonshire.
The Duke attended the local memorial ceremony, marking the first Remembrance Sunday since he and Meghan returned to Britain.
Wearing his military medals and a poppy, Harry stood alongside residents as they observed the occasion.
He was later seen smiling outside The Crown Hotel shortly before 3pm before reportedly visiting the local market and greeting members of the public.
An eyewitness said Harry had been present throughout the memorial service and had arrived before some of the other attendees.
The onlooker said the Duke watched the ceremony before shaking hands with people in the market.
The witness also defended Harry’s decision to attend the local event, pointing to his military service and his right to pay his respects.
King Charles and Prince William Attend Cenotaph Ceremony
While Harry attended the Northamptonshire event, other senior members of the Royal Family gathered in central London for the annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony.
King Charles and Prince William were joined by Princess Anne and Prince Edward at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales, watched proceedings from a balcony overlooking the memorial.
Thousands of people observed the traditional two-minute silence before senior royals and politicians, both past and present, laid wreaths at the monument.
Harry, who returned to Britain after spending six years in California, did not attend the central London ceremony.
Instead, he chose to mark the occasion alongside residents in Brackley.
