The Archewell Foundation, led by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, has been directed to cease all fundraising and expenditure activities following a delinquency notice from the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. Despite this development, a source close to Archewell has informed PEOPLE that the foundation’s tax filings were completed in adherence to regulatory requirements and were extensively reported in December. The necessary state filing, renewal, and payment were dispatched through tracked mail to the Attorney General’s Office and were received within the stipulated timeline. Any assertions suggesting otherwise are deemed inaccurate.
On May 3, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the delinquency notice to the Archewell Foundation on behalf of the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. As per the document obtained by PEOPLE, the organization has been categorized as “delinquent” for failing to submit the mandated annual reports and renewal fees. The letter specifies that a delinquent organization is not in good standing and is prohibited from engaging in activities that require registration, such as fundraising or dispersing charitable funds. It also warns of potential penalties and the possibility of suspension or revocation of registration by the Registry. Once the delinquent records are submitted, the amount of any late fees will be communicated.
The initial report of this development was first made by The New York Post.
A source familiar with the foundation’s operations revealed that while the organization filed on time, a check sent by them was not received, leading to the issuance of the delinquency notice. A replacement check has been dispatched via mail, and the Archewell Foundation anticipates a swift resolution of the issue, with updates expected within the next seven business days.
The letter from the Attorney General dated May 3, communicated via the California Department of Justice, lists the foundation’s registered address in Beverly Hills, California, approximately two hours from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s residence in Montecito.
Established by Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, subsequent to their withdrawal from royal responsibilities in 2020, the Archewell Foundation’s mission, as outlined on its website, is to “show up, do good” by taking action and utilizing their platform to positively impact communities locally and globally through acts of service and compassion.
Further details provided in the Archewell Foundation’s initial registration form filed in California in 2021 emphasize its commitment to fostering community upliftment and unity through compassionate initiatives, believing that compassion is a pivotal force for cultural transformation in the 21st century.
The foundation’s name, inspired by the Greek word “arche” meaning “source of action,” precedes the name of their son, Prince Archie, and extends to their production company, Archewell Productions.
During Meghan and Harry’s recent visit to Nigeria from May 10 to May 12, updates from the Archewell Foundation included an expansion of their partnership with the GEANCO Foundation announced at Lightway Academy in Abuja on May 10. This initiative will encompass mental health resources and training for young individuals, with both Meghan and Harry participating in the inaugural mental health summit facilitated by this collaboration.
Additionally, during their engagement with Giants of Africa at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School in Lagos on May 12, it was revealed that the Archewell Foundation has facilitated the expansion of youth-focused sports programming to include a new adaptive court and accessible sport in Abuja, according to an official statement.
