Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The top boss of five years of Prince Harry’s initiative, Travelyst, has spoken out about life behind the scenes working with the Prince.
In revealing details, Travelyst CEO, Sally Davey, is full of gratitude and she now has a positive approach to sustainable travel, as the duo celebrate five years since launching the environmental tourism initiative.
Sally told People magazine: “When I first met Harry, I felt frustrated and disillusioned about travel sustainability. The issues seemed overwhelming. But from day one, he restored my hope.”
She added: “I realized how remarkable he is and how committed he is to making a difference. He never imposed his own vision; instead, he said, ‘Tell me what needs to happen, and I’ll help facilitate that’.”
The CEO explained Harry has been an “absolute joy” to work with and that he was interested in “collaborating for systemic change”.
The travel and sustainability expert also encountered their first in-person meeting at Kensington Palace. She recalled: “I thought, ‘Oh my God, this guy really knows his stuff. I’m going to have to up my game’.”
Sally also emphasised that Harry brings a sense of joy to their work that she deeply appreciates, especially since this work can become serious.
She explained: “He keeps the big vision in mind while also having fun along the way.”
The CEO of Travalyst and Prince Harry both attended a five-year anniversary celebration of the initiative in New York City on September 24.
At the event, Sally also had a special surprise to thank Harry for all his support and to celebrate his birthday, by gifting him a present from a local artist in the UK.
This month the Duke has made a solo visit to New York, without his wife, Meghan Markle, to carry out engagements alongside charities close to his heart.
On Monday, September 23, Harry appeared at New York’s Concordia Summit. During his appearance, he spoke movingly about the Diana Award alongside CEO Dr Tessy Ojo.
At the panel event, Harry was joined by the charity’s chief executive Tessy Ojo and two winners of the Diana Legacy Award, Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, 18, from Indonesia, and Christina Williams, 27, from Jamaica.
The charity, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, was set up in honour of the late Princess of Wales and works to create positive change for young people.
Discussing the topic of mental health, Harry said: “It affects every single one of us, from the top to bottom, from the youngest to the oldest.”
Referencing the winners, he added: “And I think you guys are leading the charge in hopefully being able to break down the stigma to be able to continue these conversations.”