Harry & Meghan's charity organisation declared 'delinquent', ordered to stop soliciting
The couple’s popularity plummeted in May before their trip to the UK for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, where Markle made her first public appearance in the country ever since she left the royal family. Photograph:( AFP )
Story highlights
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's charity organisation Archwell Foundation has run into troubled waters. The foundation has been declared delinquent by the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's charity organisation Archwell Foundation has run into troubled waters. The foundation has been declared delinquent by the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's charity organisation Archwell Foundation has run into troubled waters. The foundation has been declared delinquent by the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been ordered to halt soliciting or spending for the foundation.
A source close to Archewell told People magazine that the initial cheque was sent but not received. The foundation expects the issue to be quickly resolved.
On May 3, the Attorney General of California Rob Bonta issued a delinquency notice on behalf of the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers to the Archewell Foundation.
According to reports, the organisation is now "listed as delinquent with the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers for failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees."
"An organization that is listed as delinquent is not in good standing and is prohibited from engaging in conduct for which registration is required, including soliciting or disbursing charitable funds," the letter outlines.
"The organization may also be subject to penalties and its registration may be suspended or revoked by the Registry. Once you submit the delinquent record(s), you will be notified of the amount of any late fees that are owed."
According to a source close to the foundation, the organisation filed on time, but a cheque that was sent was never received. The foundation only became aware of this when the delinquency notice was issued.
The Archwell Foundation has already issued a new check via mail and it expects the issue to be resolved at the earliest.
The Archewell Foundation is the non-profit established by Prince Harry and Meghan after they quit their roles as senior members of the royal family in 2020.
"Our mission is simple: show up, do good. We meet the moment by showing up, taking action and using our unparalleled spotlight to uplift and unite communities — local and global — through acts of service and compassion," its website says.
Prince Harry and Meghan previously said Archewell was inspired by "arche," the Greek word meaning "source of action", and predates the name of their 5-year-old son, Prince Archie. Duke and Duchess of Sussex's production company is also named as Archewell Productions.
