Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s American charity foundation has been declared delinquent and instructed to halt all fundraising and expenditures.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell has allowed its registration fees to lapse since early May, according to an official letter from California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta.
According to the document, the charity has been categorised as “delinquent” in the registry of charities and fundraisers due to its failure to submit both its annual report and registration fees.
The notice further explains that an organisation marked as such is considered not in good standing and is thereby restricted from undertaking activities requiring registration, such as soliciting or distributing charitable funds.
The note adds: “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 organisation may also be subject to penalties, and its registration may be suspended or revoked by the Registry.”
Archewell now has to submit records to show why its payment is late and pay late fees.
According to reports in the US, the foundation has filed for an extension. However, California’s official registry continued to show Archewell as delinquent last night.
After relinquishing their senior royal duties, the couple established their foundation upon relocating to the US in March 2020.
The foundation encompasses not only its non-profit charitable foundation but also for-profit ventures in media production, namely Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions.
The delinquency note comes five months after it was revealed that the Archewell Foundation suffered a significant £8.7 million revenue drop within a year.
The Sussexes have been contacted through their charity Archewell for comment on this article.