The Daily Mail reported in early May that the Archewell Foundation received a warning letter from California Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding the charity founded by Harry and Meghan in 2020 for failing to file mandatory annual financial records.
 |
| Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation has been banned for failing to submit financial reports and annual renewal fees. Photo: Reuters. |
According to documents obtained by the British newspaper, the Archewell Foundation was listed as a delinquent by the California Register of Charities and Fundraising Organizations for failing to file its 2022 financial statements and annual registration renewal fees.
The regulation states that an organization that is listed as a financial defaulter is determined to be of poor reputation and is prohibited from carrying out the activities for which it is registered, including fundraising or disbursing charitable funds . In addition, the organization may also be fined and its operating license may be revoked or suspended.
The news casts doubt on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s claim during their visit to Nigeria (May 10-12) that they have expanded their partnership with the Archewell Foundation and the GEANCO Foundation in Abuja (the capital of Nigeria). The Sussex initiative aims to provide menstrual health products to Nigerian girls and young women. In addition, the partnership will promote the development of educational services, including mental health and youth training.
However, according to the Telegraph , Harry and Meghan sent the documents and the check, which for unknown reasons were not forwarded to the relevant authorities. They apparently did not know the check was missing until they received a notice on May 3.
Archewell was required to file a statement explaining the reason for the late payments and pay a late fee. A new check has now been sent. Once the necessary paperwork is completed, the fund is allowed to resume operations.
The Sussexes set up the Archewell Foundation in March 2020 after stepping down from their senior roles in the British royal family and moving to the U.S. The organization includes a non-profit charity as well as for-profit businesses focused on media production, Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions.
Before being temporarily suspended, the Archewell Foundation caused a stir due to its declining financial situation.
A US income tax return revealed that in 2022, the fund raised just over $2 million, down $11 million from $12.9 million in 2021. The Archewell Foundation recorded a loss of $674,485 in 2022 because revenue was only $2 million but expenses were $2.67 million. Meanwhile, in 2021, the organization earned a profit of $9 million.
 |
| Despite the Archewell Foundation controversy, Harry and Meghan had a successful visit to Nigeria, receiving a royal welcome. Photo: Getty Images. |