Prince Harry Backs His Renowned Chef Friend Despite Him Choosing Prince William's Side
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle share a long-standing friendship with popular chef José Andrés.
Over the years, we have often seen Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping out together for various public events, including charity engagements and high-profile appearances, and this united front has become a familiar part of their public image. However, the couple has also made several solo appearances over the years. For instance, the Duke of Sussex recently made a surprise solo visit to Los Angeles to support his longtime friend and very popular chef, José Andrés, at a celebration of his latest cookbook. The moment grabbed everyone's attention, especially considering Andrés’ reported connection to Prince William's Earthshot Prize.
As reported by People Magazine, the celebration for Andrés’ newly released book, Spain My Way: Eat, Drink, and Cook Like a Spaniard, was held on May 27 at his San Laurel restaurant inside the Conrad Los Angeles hotel, and the gathering drew several high-profile guests, including Harry, Maria Shriver, Kyra Sedgwick, Tyler James Williams, Wolfgang Puck, Roy Choi, and others. The event was organized on the very day the book earned a spot on The New York Times bestseller list, and guests at the event enjoyed a delicious menu of Spanish-style small bites, from scallop crudo and croquetas to jamón ibérico, paired with Spanish wines and champagne.
It's worth noting that Harry and Markle share a long-standing friendship with the chef, and that his nonprofit organization, World Central Kitchen, was the first partner of their Archewell Philanthropies foundation. In January last year, the couple worked alongside World Central Kitchen to support relief operations following the devastating California wildfires. They also visited the organization’s Pasadena hub, where they helped distribute food and essential supplies to those affected by the Eaton Fire.
Speaking of the couple, Andrés said back then, "I mean, listen, I consider them friends. I know they are in the spotlight — not just in America, but in Britain — and what I can tell you from what I know is that they don't have to, but they decide to do it." Not just this, the celebrity chef also appeared in a season 2 episode of Markle’s lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, further highlighting their strong connection. Meanwhile, following Harry’s recent attendance at the cookbook celebration, attention has also turned to the chef’s reported connection with Harry’s estranged brother, William.
Back in September 2024, Andrés was appointed to the board of William’s Earthshot Prize, a move that some insiders described as humiliating for Harry and Markle. As reported by The Daily Beast, a few even suggested it highlighted a stark contrast in influence between the two brothers. While the Sussexes have previously criticised the initiative, the chef stated, “I am thrilled to join the Earthshot Prize Council to help showcase the changemakers pushing the boundaries of innovation and ingenuity around the world. There is so much we can do to inspire the world to see food as a powerful tool for creativity and change, and Earthshot solutions are at the forefront of this movement.”
