Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, had little time to reflect on the success of their recent tour of Nigeria, a new report claimed.
Before the couple returned to Montecito, the United States Registry of Charities and Fundraisers labeled their charity, The Archewell Foundation, as "delinquent.” The register, which is part of the California Department of Justice, accused Archewell of failing to submit its yearly report or fees on time.
“Prince Harry and Meghan were absolutely horrified, and had an entire flight home from Africa to sit through before they could get to the bottom of it. All the trust they’d built up with Archewell – the very centerpiece around which they’ve built their new life – seemed to be on shaky ground,” an unnamed source told New Idea.
Once they arrived on US territory, Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, promptly denied the claim. Archewell issued a statement on their behalf, stating, "We have diligently investigated the situation and can confirm that The Archewell Foundation remains fully compliant and in good standing."
The situation was settled when the foundation reissued an outstanding cheque, believed to be for $300. The Department of Justice annulled the charge, but the Sussexes could have done without the reputational harm.
“It eroded trust in the foundation. They were embarrassed by it,” the insider shared.
The Archewell Foundation, founded in 2020, shortly after the Sussexes relocated to America, combines humanitarian activity and commercial generation through its Archewell Audio and Production branches. However, late in 2023, it was reported that the charity's earnings had decreased by nearly $17 million since 2022.
“This latest incident has raised questions over the foundation’s management,” the informant stated. The public humiliation has allegedly stung Prince Harry in particular.
“It’s been a rude awakening for him. He knows losing his royal status has relegated him to the same treatment as anyone else in the States. It’s been a steep learning curve for him to realize that the freedom of information laws there offer him very little protection,” the tipster said.
NBC News reported the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's charity is now forbidden from raising funds in California since it has been declared delinquent. California Attorney General Rob Bonta was in charge of issuing the delinquency notice.
According to the state of California, Archewell has yet to pay its annual registration costs or file its annual report. According to a source familiar with the situation, the foundation's cheque was lost in the mail, but a replacement has been received.
Netizens were quick to react to the reports regarding Archewell’s alleged delinquency. “How’s the #Archewell delinquency going? No money out, no money in—as of Jan. when your 501-c3 was frozen! Let’s review: No Private Benefit, et al. @IRS_CI—you’ve got a LIVE ONE here!” radio personality Jill Savage wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “She believes she’s untouchable,” a second netizen said.
Meanwhile, royal expert Angela Levin also commented on Meghan and Prince Harry’s recent trip to Nigeria, claiming it has been “awful” so far. “'I could barely believe my eyes really. Meghan Markle was very rude, there was a teacher talking to her and she looked bored. My goodness where are your manners?!'” she told GB News.
Supporters of Meghan and Prince Harry slammed Angela for seemingly putting the former “Suits” star in bad light. “Thank God this channel of bigots, racists and just plain liars is slowly going broke. It's not about news. It's about people spewing hate and narcoleptic drivel. A good example is the daily, targeted, hate filled attacks against Harry and Meghan by the terrible Angela Levin,” Gene Valiatis said.
“I could barely believe my eyes - the obsession channel has Angela spouting her venom again. Wonder how much they pay her?” another X user penned. “They wonder why they are losing viewers and advertisers, then have to come out with the begging bowl. A woman who can't handle criticism comes on a failing TV station to criticise others,” a third netizen stated.
Business Times has reached out to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for comments.
