Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s charity foundation, Archewell, has been declared delinquent and ordered to cease fundraising and spending, Page Six reports.
According to an official letter from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the royal couple failed to pay the official registration fees for Archewell since at least the beginning of May. The letter indicates that Archewell is now marked as “delinquent” in the registry of charities and fundraisers due to the non-submission of its annual report and registration fees.
The letter further explains, “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 be subject to penalties and its registration may be suspended or revoked by the Registry.”
Archewell is now required to provide records explaining the delay and pay late fees. Sources initially indicated on Monday that the foundation had filed for an extension. Later, it was revealed that a check sent with the filing to the Attorney General’s office was not received, and a new one has been issued, suggesting the foundation should be back on track once it is processed.
Harry and Meghan established Archewell after moving to the US in March 2020 following their departure from senior royal roles. The foundation includes their nonprofit charitable division and for-profit business units, Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions.
The news of the late filing comes as Harry was reportedly snubbed by his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William, during a recent trip to London before embarking on a semi-royal tour of Nigeria with Meghan. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were warmly received by excited crowds during their three-day visit to Nigeria, which Meghan referred to as her “motherland” after discovering through a DNA test that she is 43 percent Nigerian. During the visit, Meghan also wore a cross necklace previously owned by her mother-in-law, Princess Diana, which was gifted to her by Harry.
A royal source told Page Six, “It’s certainly been a very royal week for Harry and Meghan!”
