Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are once again making headlines, but this time, the scrutiny goes beyond tabloid speculation or royal gossip.
Their charity, the Archewell Foundation, is now facing serious questions about financial transparency, with the IRS reportedly taking an interest in its operations. What began as a well-intentioned effort to support charitable causes has now become embroiled in controversy, with allegations of financial mismanagement and a lack of accountability surrounding millions of dollars in donations.
A recent revelation by a social media user on X (formerly Twitter) has brought fresh concerns to light. The post highlighted that Archewell received an astonishing $13 million from USAID, the U.S. government agency responsible for funding international development projects. While the funds were presumably meant to support global initiatives, critics are now questioning whether they were used as intended or if they instead contributed to the couple’s luxurious lifestyle.
Financial reports paint a troubling picture. Out of the $13 million Archewell reportedly received, only $650,000 was donated to actual charities. Even more concerning is that $250,000 of that amount went to the Trayvon Martin Foundation, which is run by Ashley B., a close associate of the Sussexes. This leaves a staggering $12.35 million unaccounted for, with speculation growing that a significant portion was directed toward administrative expenses, including high salaries, luxury travel, security, and other personal costs.
Another major red flag is Archewell’s registration in Delaware, a state known for its lenient financial regulations and reputation as a haven for opaque financial dealings. Reports indicate that the charity’s funds flow through a complex network of donor-advised accounts and anonymous contributions, making it nearly impossible to track the money’s final destination. By the time anyone attempts to follow the financial trail, the funds seem to have disappeared. This lack of transparency has fueled concerns that Archewell is less of a legitimate charity and more of a strategic PR tool designed to maintain Harry and Meghan’s philanthropic image while quietly channeling funds elsewhere.
Charities are required to donate a minimum of 5% of their funds annually, yet Archewell barely meets that threshold, with the bulk of its money seemingly allocated toward operational costs. This has only intensified suspicions that the organization prioritizes self-promotion over genuine charitable impact.
Beyond Archewell, Harry’s professional ventures have also come under fire. His role as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, a mental health startup, has raised ethical questions after the company secured a lucrative contract with the U.S. Department of Defense. Critics argue that Harry’s royal status may have played a role in securing the deal, leading to potential conflicts of interest. If a change in U.S. leadership occurs, this arrangement could face even greater scrutiny, potentially cutting off another significant income source for the Sussexes.
Adding to the controversy is the Aspen Institute, another organization linked to Harry and Meghan that has also received U.S. government funding. Critics suggest that this further demonstrates the couple’s ability to leverage their global network to secure financial backing for their personal projects. The interconnections between Archewell, BetterUp, and the Aspen Institute paint a picture of financial entanglements that seem to prioritize personal gain over genuine philanthropic contributions.
With the IRS reportedly examining Archewell’s finances, the future appears uncertain for Harry and Meghan. If government funding and charitable donations are subjected to greater oversight, how will they sustain their lavish Montecito lifestyle? Will they be forced to downsize their estate or sell off assets? Could Meghan turn to writing memoirs or reviving her Hollywood career to maintain their income stream?
One thing is certain: the carefully curated image of Harry and Meghan as global philanthropists is beginning to crack under mounting financial scrutiny. As transparency concerns grow, the couple will need to confront these allegations head-on or risk further damage to their already fragile credibility. For now, the world is watching—and the clock is ticking.
