Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s foundation can’t raise money after California AG finds charity is ‘delinquent’
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s charity foundation has been declared delinquent and ordered to stop raising or spending money, Page Six can reveal.
The royal duo have let the official registration fees for their charity, Archewell, lapse since at least the beginning of May, according to an official letter from California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta.
The document states that Archewell has been listed as “delinquent” with the registry of charities and fundraisers for failing to submit its annual report and its registration fees.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wear sunglasses during their trip to Nigeria.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s foundation has been ordered to stop raising or spending money after failing to pay its registration fees.REUTERS
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hold hands in Nigeria.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a polo fundraiser event in Lagos, Nigeria, during their semi-royal visit to the West African country.
“The organization may also be subject to penalties and its registration may be suspended or revoked by the Registry.”
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Archewell now has to submit records to show why its payment is late, and pay late fees.
Archewell, the foundation set up by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has been sent note of delinquency by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
State of California Department of Justice. Office of the Attorney General. Archewell Foundation. Registry status: Delinquent.
Archewell remained listed as “delinquent” on the California AG’s official registry Monday.
Initially sources told us Monday that the foundation has filed for an extension. Later we were told that a check sent with the filing to the AG’s office appeared not to have been received and a new one has been issued meaning the foundation should be back on track when it is processed.
The couple set up their foundation after moving to the US in March 2020 after quitting their senior royal roles.
The group includes the couple’s nonprofit charitable foundation, as well as for-profit business divisions focusing on media production, Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle greet children in Nigeria.
Harry and Markle were treated to a royal reception during their three-day visit to Nigeria. They’re seen greeting children at a polo fundraiser.Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation
Meghan Markle, in a yellow gown, is welcomed by BabaJide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state governor, left, at the government house in Lagos Nigeria.
Markle, in a yellow gown, is welcomed by BabaJide Sanwo-Olu (left), Lagos state governor, at the government house in Lagos, Nigeria.AP
The news of the late filing comes as Harry was snubbed by his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William, on a trip to London before starting a semi-royal tour of Nigeria with his wife.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by excited crowds during their three-day visit to the West African country that Markle called her “motherland” after a DNA test found that she is 43 percent Nigerian.
She also showed off a cross necklace previously owned by her mother-in-law, Princess Diana, gifted to her by her husband.
A royal source told Page Six, “It’s certainly been a very royal week for Harry and Meghan!”
Meghan Markle, in a blue skirt, and Prince Harry arrive at Lagos airport.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at Lagos airport for an official state welcome.
Despite any issues with Archwell, the couple announced an expansion of the partnership between the GEANCO Foundation in Abuja and their own foundation.
After spending time with the nonprofit that administers the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls, Harry, 39, and Markle, 42, announced that Archewell’s existing initiative dedicated to serving girls and young women in Nigeria with menstrual health products and educational services will now include mental health resources and training for young men and women.
The announcement coincides with an inaugural Mental Health Summit organized over two days for nearly 200 students in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex opened the summit by speaking to the young people gathered there.
