PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have spoken out after their charity was reportedly declared delinquent.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation was allegedly ordered to stop raising money after failing to submit records – and pay a bill.
Harry and Meghan have now put out a statement, insisting their charity is “fully compliant”.
Archewell Foundation said tonight: “We have diligently investigated the situation and can confirm that The Archewell Foundation remains fully compliant and in good standing.
“Due payments were made promptly and in accordance with the IRS’s processes and procedures.
“Furthermore, all necessary paperwork had been filed by the Foundation without error or wrongdoing.”
It was last night reported the Sussexes’ charity had been declared delinquent.
The Telegraph reported Archewell had been slapped with a delinquency notice and banned from raising or spending money until it pays the fees.
It’s alleged the charity did not file its 2022 tax return or related costs on time.
However, the Tele reported the docs were filed and the cheque sent, but it never arrived.
The Sussexes’ team was apparently not aware the cheque had been lost until it received the notice, dated May 3.
The notice to Archewell Foundation states: “The above captioned entity is listed as delinquent with the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers for failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees.
“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.”
Archewell was urged to quickly sent all the necessary forms and fees “immediately” and was said to have done so – sending through a second cheque.
The notice, from California’s Department of Justice, read: “The organisation may also be subject to penalties and its registration may be suspended or revoked by the Registry.
“Once you submit the delinquent record(s), you will be notified of the amount of any late fees that are owed.”
Earlier today Sussex sources claimed the notice was actually issued because officials at California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office did not process the $200 (£160) cheque.
This small fee was to pay for their annual registration bill, as reported by the MailOnline.
It comes after the charity last year reported taking a massive hit.
IN business terms, delinquency refers to the state of being past due on a debt.
Source; oag.ca.gov
In December Archwell was said to have suffered a whopping £8.7million drop in donations compared to the previous year.
The detailed return showed that 2022 donations had dipped to just over £1.6m, compared to the £10.3m it was gifted in 2021.
And it was further revealed that two major donors contributed £795,210 ($1million) each.
But the two generous donors to Harry and Meg’s foundation remain anonymous.
The year before, an unidentified donor gave them £7.8m but there was no repeat of that staggering generosity in 2022.
Harry and Meghan’s Foundation also recorded a loss of £536,357 ($674,485) due to the shortfall in donations as revenue was recorded at $2million while costs were $2.67million.
Meanwhile, the Sussexes have been in Nigeria – with the duchess making a sweet nod to Lilibet on Mother’s Day.
By Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson
PRINCE Harry was cock-a-hoop to continue his African tour — as he turned his hand to basketball.
He and wife Meghan were unveiling a partnership between their Archewell Foundation and the non-profit Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.
The Sussexes watched a practice session at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School in Lagos, Nigeria, before Harry, 39, joined in.
He said: “The power of sport can change lives.
“It brings people together and creates community and there are no barriers, which is the most important thing.”
Meghan, 42, later swapped a Carolina Herrera button-down shirt, and a traditional Nigerian skirt gifted to her, for a favourite £3,000 yellow gown by the same designer.
She and Harry walked hand-in-hand as they arrived at State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s house, where they were guests of honour.
Meanwhile it emerged that on his three-day visit to Britain last week, Harry stayed in the hotel where he had spent the night before his 2018 wedding.
Back then Prince William stayed too, but the brothers are now hardly speaking.
The King was said to be too busy to see Harry on his trip.
But The Sunday Times reported that Charles did agree to put him up in a royal home.
However, instead Harry opted for the £600-a-night Coworth Park Hotel, near Ascot, Berks.
The five-star hotel is owned by The Sultan of Brunei and sits on the edge of Windsor Great Park — a 15-minute drive from Windsor Castle.
They unveiled a partnership between Archewell and non-profit Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.
Harry and Meghan today issued a statement about their “unforgettable” visit on the Sussex website.
It read: “Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex concluded their unforgettable trip to Nigeria with a cultural reception in Lagos and a polo match fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered.”
Their statement touched on a pre-game parade and a “vibrant display of young enthusiasts in polo gear”.
They hailed the jubilant day “filled with sport and spirit”.
“The friendly rivalry between the teams, aptly named Duke vs Duchess, added a layer of excitement to the event, with the Duchess’s team claiming victory with a score of 5-3,” the statement continued.
“The day was capped off with the couple presenting medals, a gesture of appreciation for the players’ prolific talent and dedication.”
The couple’s message concluded with an extension of their “deepest gratitude” to the welcoming Nigerian community for their “tremendous hospitality”.
