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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s charity, the Archwell Foundation, is in the red as new reports have found. As per the not-for-profit’s end-of-year report, the Duke and Duchess have suffered a significant drop in donations year-on-year.
When compared to the contributions made in their first year of operation, the Sussexes experienced a loss of nearly AUD $ 17 million, with 2023 donations totalling only $1.5 million. The sum reportedly amounted to two anonymous benefactors, who both contributed undisclosed amounts equaling the seven-figure sum.
Archewell Foundation was founded in 2020 upon Prince Harry and Markle’s departure from the royal family. The foundation operates under the unified vision of “show up, do good”.
As per the foundation’s website, this involves “taking action, and using our unparalleled spotlight to uplift and unite communities, both local and global, online and offline”.
The Sussexes’ entertainment endeavours, including Archewell audio and Archewell production, are also pillars of their overarching enterprise, though the findings only pertain to the charitable branch.
To stipulate the proverbial brass tax, Archwell Foundation enjoyed donations worth $19.8 million in 2021—with one generous contribution of $15 million bequeathed by an unnamed patron. In 2022, the total funds were reduced to $3.9 million. The net revenue from this year was at a loss of -$1.028 million. It’s also claimed that Archewell still maintains assets of $12.2 million.
The former senior royals do not receive a salary from their work at the foundation, with only five employees officially salaried. This includes co-executive director (and right-hand man) James Holt. Reports claim that Holt received $259,400 in remuneration, a vast increase from the $91,300 salary paid out in 2021.
The revelations also followed the Sussexes’ separation from Spotify, with both parties choosing to terminate the multi-million dollar deal to the surprise of many.
They are still engaged with Netflix, with the Montecito-based couple inking a five-year contract worth $148,880,400. Signed in 2020, the Sussexes have promised to produce documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows and children’s programming as part of the package. Currently, they’ve only worked with Netflix on the six-part docuseries, Harry & Meghan.
