Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Archewell Foundation has been ordered to stop soliciting or spending funds after being declared delinquent by the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, NY Post reported on Monday. The notice, issued by California Attorney General Rob Bonta on May 3, states that the organization is "listed as delinquent with the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers for failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees."
According to the document obtained by PEOPLE, an organization listed as delinquent is prohibited from engaging in conduct that requires registration, including soliciting or disbursing charitable funds. The foundation may also be subject to penalties, and its registration could be suspended or revoked by the Registry.
A source close to the Archewell Foundation told PEOPLE that the organization filed on time, but a check sent was never received. The foundation only became aware of the issue when the delinquency notice was issued, and a new check has been sent by mail. The source expects the issue to be quickly resolved and reflected in the records within the next seven business days.
The Archewell Foundation, established by Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, following their step back from royal roles in 2020, aims to "show up, do good" and "uplift and unite communities - local and global - through acts of service and compassion." The foundation's initial registration form filed in California in 2021 further elaborates on its core purpose, stating that it "supports a growing community of partner organizations fueling systematic cultural change" and "listens to people and their communities, helps them to tell their stories, puts real action behind its words, and spotlights a new generation of leadership."
During Harry and Meghan's recent trip to Nigeria from May 10 to May 12, the Archewell Foundation shared two updates. At the Lightway Academy in Abuja, it was announced that the foundation is expanding its partnership with the GEANCO Foundation to include mental health resources and training for young people. Additionally, while spending time with Giants of Africa at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School in Lagos, it was revealed that the Archewell Foundation has made it possible for the youth-focused sports charity to expand programming to include a new adaptive court and accessible sport in Abuja.
The delinquency notice comes at a time when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been in Nigeria bringing attention to causes they have long supported, including wounded veterans. Harry, a founding patron of the Invictus Games, played a game of sitting volleyball with wounded former soldiers during the visit.
State records show that the Archewell Foundation's last renewal was in May 2023 and that it has officially been marked "delinquent," meaning the charity cannot raise money until the issue is resolved. The foundation supports various programs, including supporting parents, empowering girls, advocating for mental health, and connecting families of Afghan refugees with the communities where they have resettled. It is also supporting a playground in Uvalde, Texas, in honor of the shooting that killed 19 children at Robb Elementary School.
The delinquency status of the Archewell Foundation has raised concerns about the organization's ability to continue its charitable work. However, the source close to the foundation remains confident that the issue will be resolved quickly, allowing the organization to resume its mission of uplifting and uniting communities through acts of service and compassion.
