Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Speaking after recent staff cuts. A spokesperson for the royal couple shared that they are rebranding their Archewell charity.
This change has led to the redundancy of some staff as the organization adopts a financial sponsorship model. The change marks the organization’s fifth anniversary and aims to expand its global impact as a family-led nonprofit.
The latest financial filings show more spending than fundraising, which representatives say reflects the deliberate use of reserves by Prince Harry and Meghan’s charity.
Mega
Harry and Meghan Markle are making changes to their philanthropic operation as they transition the Archwell Foundation into a newly rebranded entity called Archwell Philanthropies, a move that has resulted in a smaller staff structure.
The announcement comes after reports surfaced that several employees had been fired.
A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed Janata Newspaper, “The move towards a financial sponsor operating model means some staff redundancies are inevitable,” particularly junior administrative positions.
The spokesperson emphasized that the decision was part of a broader operational change, not a shutdown, and praised the departing employees as “incredibly talented and caring people who dedicate themselves to helping others.”
Announced on December 19, the rebrand coincides with Archewell’s fifth anniversary and signals a new phase for the organization.
According to the Sussexes, the updated structure allows them to “broaden their global philanthropic efforts as a family, with meaningful reach and maximum impact, based on shared values, sharing, and their commitment to show and do good.”
ZUMAPRESS.com / Mega
Under the new model, Archewell Philanthropies will continue to operate as a nonprofit organization but will operate under an established 501(c)(3), handling administrative functions such as compliance, finance, and grantmaking.
Harry and Meghan will remain focused on setting the mission, priorities, and philanthropic partnerships, giving the organization more flexibility and room to grow.
The rebrand also reflects the couple’s long-term vision of the charity as a family endeavor. Statements on the organization’s website emphasize the involvement of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in shaping a service-focused legacy.
That vision has already been seen, when kids joined their parents to help prepare meals at our Big Kitchen Los Angeles before Thanksgiving and appeared in Archewell’s latest year-end video.
Mega
The transition comes amid scrutiny of the charity’s recent financial filings, which show Archewell has raised around £1.96 million. [$2.6 million] While spending £3.8 million last year [$5.1 million]resulting in a reported shortfall of approximately £1.9 million [$2.5 million].
A representative for Harry and Meghan pushed back against characterizing it as a loss, explaining that the difference reflected a deliberate decision to draw on “existing reserves for impact funding rather than reserve funds”.
According to Daily ExpressA spokesperson commented, “This is a deliberate, lost-alignment decision that demonstrates Archewell’s commitment to putting dollars to work in the world and maximizing social return on past fundraising efforts.”
They added: “The Foundation did not lose money – it used the funds already raised for their intended purpose. The Archewell Foundation’s approach is to raise funds for specific projects and mobilize them as those projects reach key stages of implementation.”
James Whatling / Mega
The Archewell Foundation has supported a range of humanitarian initiatives in recent years, including major contributions to support children affected by conflict.
The charity has donated a total of $500,000 in efforts to help injured children in Gaza and Ukraine.
These funds were directed toward medical evacuations coordinated by the World Health Organization, and research focused on the development of prosthetics for young victims of war-related injuries.
As reported by independentA breakdown of donations shows that $200,000 was allocated to the WHO to support medical evacuations from Gaza to Jordan, while $150,000 was given to Save the Children to continue humanitarian relief operations in Gaza.
Another $150,000 went to the Center for Blast Injury Studies to support prosthetic development, especially for children affected by the conflict in Ukraine and Gaza.
Mega
In May 2024, Harry and Meghan’s foundation briefly appeared as “delinquent” on the public registry after failing to submit required annual filings and renewal fees.
A notice issued at the time warned that organizations with this status were prohibited from fundraising or distributing charitable funds and could face suspension or deregistration.
However, the issue was resolved within days, as they had indeed done the proper paperwork, and Archewell’s status was updated to “current”.
The California Department of Justice confirmed that the foundation is in good standing, clarifying that it is fully compliant and authorized to continue its charitable activities.
