Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing a new problem after their foundation, the Archewell Foundation, was deemed “delinquent.” According to a letter from the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, the organization has been found to be “listed as delinquent with the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers for failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees.” This means that the non-profit is no longer allowed to raise money until the matter is resolved and they are officially in good standing.
The letter, written by the Attorney General of the state Rob Bonta, also stated that 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 organization may also face penalties and suspension or revocation of its registration with the Registry. The letter was sent to address the foundation’s failure to submit its required annual report and renewal fees.
According to a source close to the foundation, they had filed their annual report on time but the check that was sent to the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers never arrived. The source stated that the foundation is working to resolve the issue and expects it to be resolved soon. They also mentioned that there was a delay due to the check not being received, but a new one has been sent and they believe the matter will be resolved shortly.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s foundation is ‘delinquent’: California attorney general https://t.co/DpFhaRVw4X pic.twitter.com/pUyZdEBchx
— Page Six (@PageSix) May 13, 2024
The Archewell Foundation was announced in 2020 by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after they stepped down from their royal roles and moved to southern California. The name was inspired by their first child, Prince Archie of Sussex, and was meant to continue their philanthropic work. The foundation’s website states its mission as “show up, do good” and to use its “unparalleled spotlight to uplift and unite communities – local and global – through acts of service and compassion.”
In the initial registration of the foundation in California, it stated that the non-profit’s core purpose is to uplift and unite communities through acts of compassion. It also believes that compassion is the defining cultural force of the 21st century and aims to support organizations working toward systematic change. The foundation listens to communities, helps them tell their stories, and uses its platform to spotlight a new generation of leadership.
The foundation has been actively involved in various charity work and has partnered with different organizations to achieve its mission. It has been supporting organizations working towards racial and gender equality, mental health advocacy, and environmental conservation. The foundation has also been involved in relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and has provided aid to those in need.
This is not the first time the foundation has faced backlash. In 2020, the non-profit faced criticism for trademarking the name “Archewell” for a variety of products and services. Critics argued that this went against the foundation’s mission of compassion and seemed to be a commercial venture instead. However, the foundation clarified that the trademark filing was to protect the brand and they have ultimate intentions to use it for philanthropic purposes.
The Archewell Foundation continues to work towards making a positive impact and has not let this setback affect its mission. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to using their platform to uplift and unite communities and are determined to overcome this obstacle. As the matter is being resolved, the foundation is doing its best to fulfill its obligations and regain its good standing with the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.