Harry & Meghan Face Financial Turmoil with Their ‘Delinquent’ Charity after $11M Drop in Donations

The Archewell Foundation, established by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2020, has been declared delinquent by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. This declaration happened after the foundation felt an $11 million drop in donations two years prior.

Page Six recently reported that, according to an official letter from California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta, the foundation “had a lapse in registration since at least the beginning of May.”

The attorney general’s office issued a notice stating that Archewell failed to submit its annual report and fees on time, resulting in its “delinquent” status within the state’s registry.

The notice stated, “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.”

Archewell has to reportedly provide records to justify the delayed payment and to pay any applicable late fees. The notice further indicated, “The organization may also be subject to penalties and its registration may be suspended or revoked by the Registry.”

Initial reports indicated that Archewell had requested an extension. It was later also discovered that a check meant for the filing fees never reached Bonta’s office. A replacement check has been sent, which might resolve the issue and restore the foundation’s compliance once processed.

After moving to the US in March 2020 and stepping down from their royal roles, the couple started Archewell. This includes their nonprofit charity and businesses that focus on media production, like Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions.

The pair also formed their own communications team. Christine Schirmer, previously head of communications at Pinterest and Apple, and Toya Holness, former communications leader at the New York City Department of Education, have joined the group.

Together with James Holt and Sunshine Sachs, the Duke and Duchess’ international agency of record, they manage Archewell’s communications, upcoming production projects, other personal initiatives, and crises.

In 2022, the couple’s foundation faced a significant financial strain. According to a 2023 CBS News report, the foundation experienced an $11 million drop in donations compared to the previous year.

According to its Form 990, also known as the Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, the nonprofit received just over $2 million in charitable contributions in 2022, a sharp decline from $13 million in 2021.

Its total expenses exceeded its revenue, leading to a deficit of over $674,000. This financial downturn contrasted sharply with 2021 when the foundation’s revenue topped $9 million.

The foundation’s “delinquent” status, stemming from financial instability, coincided with Harry marking the 10th Invictus Games in London—an event he founded in 2014. However, King Charles III not meeting with Harry sparked public disappointment.

“That’s absolutely unforgivable, that a Dad can’t prioritize his son. King or not!!!” chastised a social media user. Another user wrote, “As a parent I can’t imagine not being able to pencil my child into my schedule.” Another added, “I can’t imagine anything more important than getting to spend some time with a child that you really don’t see very often.”

Someone else who felt particularly strongly about the matter stated, “Sadly, his father chooses his position over his family. His father has made it very clear where his love is. If he really wanted to see his son he would and could. This whole situation clearly shows that it is all about him and his ‘control over others.'”

News outlets had reported earlier that Harry would not be visiting the King of England. “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program,” a spokesperson for Prince Harry announced on May 7.

The statement went on to explain, “The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.” According to reports, Charles had a packed schedule as he had recently resumed his public royal duties.

During this busy period, Charles met with the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, at Buckingham Palace and hosted the season’s premiere garden party. Like his busy father, Harry attended the Invictus Games’ anniversary at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Although it was confirmed that the reason for the father and son not meeting during Harry’s recent UK visit was due to scheduling conflicts, it remains no secret that relationships between British royal family members have been tense in recent times.

It’s public knowledge that Harry and his dad have not necessarily seen eye to eye for some time. Even when Harry flew to London to visit the King after hearing about his cancer diagnosis, their meeting was reportedly very brief.

Meanwhile, Harry had secretly met Meghan Markle at Heathrow Airport, and together they flew to Nigeria. There, they were honored guests at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja. The visit was part of the Games’ activities.

The visit began with Meghan subtly honoring the Duke of Sussex’s late mother, Princess Diana, through her choice of jewelry. On the first day, Meghan wore an all-white suit topped with a gold collar necklace. This necklace was reminiscent of one Diana wore during a visit to Nigeria with Charles in March 1990.

One of Meghan’s choices of a diamond cross necklace, a personal gift from Harry that once belonged to his mother, drew significant attention. On their second day in the country, she showcased this piece alongside a white strapless dress, but this jewelry sparked public reactions.

One observer expressed, “How insulting to Diana,” while another commented, “She doesn’t deserve it.” The criticism escalated with another’s statement, “Don’t fit to wear Diana neckless.” Someone else remarked, “So disrespectful.” The disapproval deepened with more dramatic assertions.

Amid these sharp remarks, a sarcastically veiled compliment surfaced: “She knows all choreography.” Despite the criticisms, there were supportive voices as well.

A fan praised, “What a great necklace, that really show they love each other.” Another supporter offered a softer perspective, by writing, “So sweet. I’m sure Diana would have love her.”