Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation found to be ‘delinquent’

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been told to stop soliciting or spending money for their Archewell Foundation after it was declared delinquent by the state of California.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s foundation, established in 2020 for the couple’s charitable work, appears to have failed to file the correct paperwork and pay the required fees to operate in California.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been told to stop soliciting or spending money for their Archewell Foundation after it was declared delinquent by the state of California.

The foundation was established in 2020 for the couple’s charitable work, however it appears they have failed to file the correct paperwork and pay the required fees to operate.

In a letter dated May 3, the office of Rob Bonta, the Californian attorney-general, informed Archewell it was considered delinquent.

“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,” the letter said.

Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, must now file the necessary forms and money to be allowed to fully operate Archewell under California’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.

The Times understands that the foundation believes it filed on time but that a physical cheque included in the filing appears to have never been received.

Archewell only became aware of the issue when it received the delinquency notice and has sent a new cheque, expecting the issue to be quickly resolved.

The Archewell Foundation, which works under the banner of “Show up, do good,” has supported causes including victims of domestic violence, tackling misinformation and a mine charity made famous by Diana, Princess of Wales.

The duke and duchess have been in Nigeria on what commentators have described as an unofficial royal tour - their first international tour since stepping away from royal duties.

Over three days Harry and Meghan met basketball-playing school children, disabled athletes and various dignitaries.

Speaking at a basketball court, Harry praised the charity Giants of Africa for organising sporting events for children, describing their work as “truly amazing”.

“The power of sport can change lives,” he said. “It brings people together and creates community and there are no barriers, which is the most important thing.

“It’s wonderful to see each and every one of you here today, sitting on this court. I know you’re ready to go. And we’re going to get those balls going and you’re going to show us how good you are.”

And despite issues with Archewell’s charitable work in California, the Sussexes announced an expansion of the partnership between the foundation and a Nigerian charity.

Archewell and the GEANCO Foundation will now offer mental health services for young people, having previously helped provide Nigerian girls and young women with menstrual health products.

The Times