Meghan and Harry's charity claims missing files 'declared on time' after being branded 'delinquent'

Meghan and Harry's charity claims missing files 'declared on time' after being branded 'delinquent'

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GB News
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 13/05/2024

- 20:43

Updated: 14/05/2024

- 09:43

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are returning to the US following their successful tour in Nigeria

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's charity has claimed its missing files were "declared on time", after being branded "delinquent".

It was originally reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's charity foundation was ordered to stop raising or spending money.


Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, were understood to have let the official registration fees for their charity, Archewell, lapse since at least the beginning of May, according to an official letter from California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta.

The document stated that Archewell was listed as "delinquent" with the registry of charities and fundraisers for failing to submit its annual report and registration fees.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Meghan and Prince Harry recently travelled to Nigeria

Getty

State of California Department of Justice

Archewell has been ordered to stop raising or spending money

State of California Department of Justice

However, GB News understands that everything was filed on time, and that part of that filing was a physical cheque.

A spokesperson for Archewell told GB News that the cheque appeared to have never been received, which they were only made aware of when this delinquency notice was published.

It is understood that a new cheque has been mailed and Archewell anticipates that this will be quickly resolved and reflected in records within seven business days.

The delinquency note read: "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.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Meghan and Prince Harry's foundation has been ordered to stop raising or spending money after failing to pay its registration fees

Reuters

"The organisation may also be subject to penalties and its registration may be suspended or revoked by the Registry."

The couple set up their foundation after moving to the US in March 2020 after quitting their senior royal roles.

The group includes the couple’s non-profit charitable foundation, as well as for-profit business divisions focusing on media production, Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions.

The news of the late filing comes as Harry was snubbed by his father King Charles and brother Prince William on a trip to London before starting a tour of Nigeria with his wife.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle moved back to the US with Harry in 2020

Reuters

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry live in Montecito with Archie and Lilibet

Reuters

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by excited crowds during their three-day visit to the West African country.

Meghan called Nigeria her "motherland" after a DNA test found that she is 43 per cent Nigerian.

She also showed off a cross necklace previously owned by her mother-in-law, Princess Diana, gifted to her by her husband.

A royal source told Page Six: "It’s certainly been a very royal week for Harry and Meghan!"

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