Twist after Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s charity labelled ‘delinquent’

Sources close to the royal couple have hit back after their charity was branded “delinquent” amid claims its had allowed its fees to lapse.

An administration error is behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s charity being branded “delinquent”, it has been claimed, after it was ordered to suspend its fundraising.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation had allowed its original registration fees to lapse, as per an official letter from California’s attorney-general, Rob Bonta, prompting the warning notice.

However, sources close to Harry and Meghan have now told news.com.au that the organisation had in fact submitted its tax filings, renewal and payment on time – and by registered post.

It’s understood the matter is currently being investigated.

Harry and Meghan in the Armed Forces Complex in Abuja, Nigeria. Picture: Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty Images

They also visited the State Governor House in Lagos. Picture: Kola Sulaimon/AFP

It comes after it was revealed that Archewell was “not in good standing”, as labelled by the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers in California, where the couple now reside.

As such, it’s temporarily banned from carrying out activities including collecting charitable funds or distributing them.

“The organisation may also be subject to penalties, and its registration may be suspended or revoked by the Registry,” the attorney general’s letter stated.

Archewell – which Harry and Meghan founded in early 2020 after “stepping back” as senior working royals – is divided into two: a non-profit division, as well as a for-profit arm, which harnesses their multiple media ventures.

Despite launching to plenty of fanfare, Archewell was hit with controversy mid-last year after the Sussex’s multimillion-dollar Spotify deal was dumped, with an executive from the streaming giant later publicly branding them “grifters”.

Meghan has since announced a new deal with female-founded audio company, Lemonada, through which she will continue to produce her podcast – although it’s reportedly been pushed back to next year.

Meghan’s new podcast launch has been postponed. Picture: Ben Stansall/Pool/AFP

However, the couple has two new Netflix series in the works, including a lifestyle show and a program delving behind the scenes in the world of polo.

Archewell’s administrative headache surfaced just days after Harry and Meghan wrapped up their “unofficial” three-day tour of Nigeria, which saw them visit Abuja and Lagos.

During the trip, the couple announced a new partnership between Archewell and the Geanco Foundation, an organisation which offers support to female victims of terrorism and gender inequality, as well as leading surgical missions and providing maternal health aid.

Prior to their arrival in Nigeria, Harry and Meghan had secretly reunited at the UK’s Heathrow Airport to travel together after the duke’s high-profile solo return to London for Invictus Games events.