In a recent media storm, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves at the center of a brewing controversy concerning their charitable foundation, Archewell.
Allegations have surfaced, suggesting that millions of dollars are missing from the charity’s financial records. However, sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have strongly denied these claims, calling them “ludicrous” and “misleading.”
The controversy erupted after MailOnline reported that Archewell was awarded two significant grants totaling over £4.5 million (approximately $6 million) in the last two years.
The media outlet suggested that these funds were absent from Archewell’s latest tax filings, leading to public speculation that the Sussexes’ charity may have mismanaged or hidden the funds.
The article highlighted Archewell’s most recent 990 tax return, which reported $2,000,911 in donations for the year.
However, the large grants supposedly awarded to the foundation were nowhere to be found in the documents.
The accusation has led to further scrutiny of Archewell’s financial transparency, with some questioning whether the Sussexes, known for their high-profile charitable activities, have been as open and transparent with their finances as they claim.
In response to these allegations, Archewell’s team swiftly issued a statement to MailOnline, insisting that the charity’s financial records are accurate.
According to their explanation, the reported donations only account for the period from January to December 2022.
The larger grants in question, they assured, will appear in the next tax return, as they were part of the fiscal year 2023.
This means the public will see those funds accounted for when the next 990 tax form is filed later this year.
The charity explained that Fidelity Charitable’s 990 tax forms—which record grants made between July 2022 and June 2023—do not correspond with Archewell’s own fiscal reporting schedule, which runs from January to December.
Thus, any grants or large donations received during the latter half of 2022 or early 2023 would not appear on the current tax return but will be reflected in future filings.
A source close to the couple expressed their frustration with the accusations, saying, “It’s so unfair to do this to a charity when they have done everything correctly. The claims are ludicrous because they [the Sussexes] have always been upfront and transparent about their finances.”
The source added that the misleading reports could cause serious damage to the reputation of Archewell, which has worked diligently to uphold a standard of transparency
. “Something like this can be very damaging, especially as it’s extremely misleading,” the source stated.
The controversy over Archewell’s finances comes at a critical time, as Prince Harry has just flown into London for the WellChild Awards, an event that honors the bravery of terminally ill children.
However, even this visit has been shrouded in security concerns, with the Duke’s team reportedly insisting that the event’s location remain undisclosed to the public due to heightened fears for his safety.
The heightened security measures come after revelations from Prince Harry’s memoir Spare in which he disclosed that he killed 25 Taliban fighters while serving in Afghanistan.
The revelation, which many saw as unnecessarily provocative, has since sparked concern that Harry could become a target, particularly during his public appearances in the UK.
A source told Express.co.uk, “Harry is still very concerned about his security in the UK and his team have asked that the location [of the WellChild Awards] not be shared with anyone until the day of the event.”
The source added, “It’s one thing for Harry to come over last minute for a funeral or to see family, but completely different when the event is publicized and in the public domain. He could become a target so the team has ensured that the location only be known on a need-to-know basis.”
The WellChild Awards are typically a high-profile event that draws considerable media attention, but this year’s ceremony will proceed with much tighter security protocols.
According to reports, the concerns over Harry’s security have intensified since his memoir’s release, and it has made traveling to the UK increasingly complicated for the Duke.
In light of the Taliban comments, the source continued, “The reason why Harry has become such a security concern is due to comments he’s made about the Taliban. Because of those comments, he will always be a target. That’s something he only has himself to blame.”
Security has long been a contentious issue for Prince Harry, particularly since his decision to step back from royal duties.
The Duke is still engaged in an ongoing legal battle with the UK Home Office over his right to personally fund police protection when in the country.
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He argues that he requires full police protection for his visits, even if he is willing to cover the costs himself.
The case is set for a two-day hearing on April 8-9, 2024, marking another chapter in Harry’s fight to ensure his safety while in the UK.
Despite the swirling controversy, the Sussexes remain committed to their charitable work through the Archewell Foundation.
Since its inception, the organization has focused on promoting mental health, environmental issues, and community empowerment.
Archewell has partnered with numerous organizations to deliver resources and support to communities in need, and the Sussexes continue to actively champion causes that align with their vision of making the world a better place.
Nevertheless, the negative press surrounding Archewell’s finances could overshadow the foundation’s achievements.
In an age where public perception is critical, the Sussexes find themselves defending both their personal and professional lives amid increasing scrutiny.
In conclusion, the missing millions scandal, while dismissed as unfounded by sources close to Harry and Meghan, highlights the intense pressure the couple continues to face in the public eye.
Their charity work remains a focal point of their post-royal life, and with their next tax filings, the Sussexes hope to put an end to the speculation and reaffirm their commitment to transparency.
For now, though, the shadow of public doubt lingers, with the spotlight firmly on both their finances and their security concerns.
