Prince Harry speaking fees could approach $1 million for highly exclusive events, according to branding expert Eric Schiffer, even as the Duke of Sussex devotes much of his public schedule to charities and social causes.

Schiffer, chairman of Reputation Management Consultants, estimated that Harry could receive between $250,000 and $750,000 for a keynote address. For a particularly elite engagement, he said the figure could rise to nearly $1 million. Apparently, being a prince remains useful when an event planner has a flexible definition of “budget.”

“Harry’s royal title and persona can still do damage to an event budget,” Schiffer said. However, he cautioned against assuming every public appearance comes with a substantial payment.

“Not every one of these stops is a cash grab with hidden checks,” he added.

Harry, 42, spent the week moving between prominent conferences and charitable gatherings across New York City.

On Wednesday, he appeared at the annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, where he spoke about the risks that social media and artificial intelligence can pose to children.

Later that day, Harry addressed the Skift Global Forum. His remarks focused on sustainable tourism and his work in Botswana, including the Okavango region. He also referred to his late mother, Princess Diana.

On Thursday, the duke made an unannounced appearance at an event organised by The Diana Award, a charity established in his mother’s memory. There, he discussed the importance of supporting young people in the workplace and protecting mental health.

None of those appearances has been publicly confirmed as paid work. A representative for Harry did not respond to a request for comment about whether he received compensation.

Schiffer argued that Harry’s busy schedule could produce financial benefits later, even if most of the events did not pay him directly.

“A lot of his microphone is largely going to be unpaid, but he’s getting the attention, and that keeps him in the spotlight and further bookable for other things,” he said.

In other words, visibility can function as advertising, particularly when the person appearing on stage already has global name recognition and a royal title doing much of the introductory work.

Schiffer also suggested that Harry may be placing less emphasis on lucrative commercial projects while trying to improve his relationship with his father, King Charles III. The expert said the shift could also support efforts by Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, to strengthen their public image in the United States.

That interpretation remains Schiffer’s assessment rather than a stated strategy from Harry. Still, he believes the duke’s status continues to give him considerable earning power whenever he chooses to use it.

“Most of this is legit charity, so his total take is peanuts compared to moves he has done in the past,” Schiffer said.

Peanuts, in this case, is a relative term. The estimated ceiling for a single exclusive appearance remains close to seven figures, whether or not this particular week produced a cheque.