MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have broken their silence to praise their Nigeria trip amid the Archewell charity scandal.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a statement about their “unforgettable” visit – despite reports swirling around their charity after it was declared “delinquent” and ordered to stop raising money.

Harry and Meghan have spoken out after their Archewell charity reportedly failed to submit recordsCredit: Reuters

The pair have been in Nigeria, where they unveiled a partnership between Archewell and non-profit Giants of AfricaCredit: AFP

The Sussexes thanked the Nigerian people for their hospitalityCredit: sussex.com
This is said to be a result of the Sussexes’ charity failing to submit records – and pay a bill.

But, the couple have penned a message on their Sussex website, seemingly ignoring the claims.

The Duke and Duchess would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the event organizers, military officials and the whole Nigerian community for their tremendous hospitality and the first of many memorable trips

Sussex Website

They issued a statement thanking the Nigerian people for welcoming them on their recent visit.

It read: “Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex concluded their unforgettable trip to Nigeria with a cultural reception in Lagos and a polo match fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered.”

Their statement touched on a pre-game parade and a “vibrant display of young enthusiasts in polo gear”.

They hailed the jubilant day “filled with sport and spirit”.

“The friendly rivalry between the teams, aptly named Duke vs Duchess, added a layer of excitement to the event, with the Duchess’s team claiming victory with a score of 5-3,” the statement continued.

“The day was capped off with the couple presenting medals, a gesture of appreciation for the players’ prolific talent and dedication.”

The couple’s message concluded with an extension of their “deepest gratitude” to the welcoming Nigerian community for their “tremendous hospitality”.

CHARITY DELINQUENCY NOTICE

It comes as the Telegraph reported their Archewell charity had been slapped with a delinquency notice and banned from raising or spending money until it pays the fees.

It’s alleged the charity did not file its 2022 tax return or related costs on time.

An organisation 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

Delinquency Notice

However, the Telegraph reported the documents were filed and the cheque sent, but it never arrived.

The Sussexes’ team was apparently not aware the cheque had been lost until it received the notice, dated May 3.

The notice to Archewell Foundation states: “The above captioned entity is listed as delinquent with the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers for failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees.

“An organisation 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.”

What does ‘delinquency’ mean?

IN business terms, delinquency refers to the state of being past due on a debt.

Delinquency happens when a borrower misses a payment on a loan, which can affect their credit score.
Delinquency rates are used to show how many accounts in a financial institution’s portfolio are delinquent.
When a charitable organisation fails to submit complete filings for each fiscal year, its status on the Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers will be listed as Delinquent.
If the delinquency is not remedied, the Registry status will be further changed to Suspended, and/or Revoked.
A charity that is not in good standing with the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers may not operate or take donations.

Source; oag.ca.gov

Archewell was urged to quickly sent all the necessary forms and fees “immediately” and was said to have done so – sending through a second cheque.

The notice, from California’s Department of Justice, read: “The organisation 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.”

NIGERIA TRIP

The couple have been in Nigeria, where they unveiled a partnership between Archewell and non-profit Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.

Harry was also on a three-day tour of the African nation to promote his Invictus Games for wounded veterans.

Harry enjoys basketball while couple travel Nigeria

By Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson

PRINCE Harry was cock-a-hoop to continue his African tour — as he turned his hand to basketball.

He and wife Meghan were unveiling a partnership between their Archewell Foundation and the non-profit Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.

The Sussexes watched a practice session at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School in Lagos, Nigeria, before Harry, 39, joined in.

He said: “The power of sport can change lives.

“It brings people together and creates community and there are no barriers, which is the most important thing.”

Meghan, 42, later swapped a Carolina Herrera button-down shirt, and a traditional Nigerian skirt gifted to her, for a favourite £3,000 yellow gown by the same designer.

She and Harry walked hand-in-hand as they arrived at State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s house, where they were guests of honour.

Meanwhile it emerged that on his three-day visit to Britain last week, Harry stayed in the hotel where he had spent the night before his 2018 wedding.

Back then Prince William stayed too, but the brothers are now hardly speaking.

The King was said to be too busy to see Harry on his trip.

But The Sunday Times reported that Charles did agree to put him up in a royal home.

However, instead Harry opted for the £600-a-night Coworth Park Hotel, near Ascot, Berks.

The five-star hotel is owned by The Sultan of Brunei and sits on the edge of Windsor Great Park — a 15-minute drive from Windsor Castle.

He arrived with Meghan in the capital Abuja on Friday, when they attended a school event highlighting mental health.

The prince also met wounded Nigerian soldiers in the north-west of the country.

ARCHEWELL LOSSES

Despite the new a partnership between Archewell and non-profit Giants of Africa, the Sussexes charity last year reported taking a massive hit.

In December Archwell was said to have suffered a whopping £8.7million drop in donations compared to the previous year.

The detailed return showed that 2022 donations had dipped to just over £1.6m, compared to the £10.3m it was gifted in 2021.

It was revealed two major anonymous donors contributed £795,210 ($1million) each.

Harry and Meghan’s Foundation also recorded a loss of £536,357 ($674,485) due to the shortfall in donations as revenue was recorded at $2million while costs were $2.67million.

CHARLES SNUB

Harry and Meghan have put on a united front amid reports about their charity – and beamed alongside each other in Nigeria.

The duke appeared to put his family drama to one side as he posed for snaps on the visit.

It comes as King Charles made Prince William Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps yesterday.

His Majesty, 75, and Wills, 41, shared a touching moment in front of an Apache helicopter – as the prince was officially made leader of Harry’s former chopper unit.

I think the perception for the public is going to be that it was deliberately timed to antagonise Harry

Jack RoystonRoyal Correspondent

The monarch looked in top nick as he chatted with staff and veterans at the Army Aviation Centre..

He beamed as he waved to royal fans and laughed with his eldest son.

William later took to the sky in the Apache, the same chopper Harry used to fly.

Royal Correspondent Jack Royston spoke to The Sun’s Royal Exclusive Show about Charles’ recent snub towards his youngest son.

He told The Sun’s Royal Editor, Matt Wilkinson: “I think the perception for the public is going to be that it was deliberately timed to antagonise Harry.

“Even if that’s not the case, they probably should have tried to move it.

“But they can, let’s assume for arguments sake it was all just coincidence, they can diffuse this whole situation.

“All Charles would have to do, it could be as simple as making an off the cut remark, all he would have to say is ‘oh yes my son was co-pilot gunner on one of these in Afghanistan. He served his country.'”