MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have broken their silence by praising their trip to Nigeria amid the Archewell charity scandal.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a statement about their “unforgettable” visit – despite reports circulating around their charity after it was declared delinquent and ordered to stop raising money.
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This is said to be the result of the Sussexes’ charity failing to submit records – and pay a bill.
But the couple wrote a message on their website in Sussex, apparently ignoring the allegations.
The Duke and Duchess would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the event organizers, military officers and the entire Nigerian community for their tremendous hospitality and the first of many memorable trips.
Sussex website
They wrote a statement thanking Nigeria for hosting them on their recent visit.
It read: “Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, concluded their unforgettable trip to Nigeria with a cultural reception in Lagos and a fundraising polo match for Nigeria: Unconquered.
“The couple were welcomed with a beautiful pre-game parade – a vibrant display of young enthusiasts in polo gear, proudly waving the green and white flags of Nigeria – followed by a procession of older children on horseback, setting the tone for a day filled with sport and spirit.
“The friendly rivalry between the teams, aptly named Duke v Duchess, added a layer of excitement to the event, with the Duchess’ team claiming victory with a score of 5-3.
“The day ended with the presentation of medals to the couple, a gesture of gratitude for the prolific talent and dedication of the players.
“The Duke and Duchess would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the event organizers, military officers and the entire Nigerian community for their tremendous hospitality and the first of many memorable trips.”
NOTICE OF CHARITY DELINQUENCY
He comes like the Telegraph reported that their charity Archewell had been issued a delinquency notice and banned from raising or spending money until it had paid fees.
It is alleged that the charity did not timely file its 2022 tax return or related costs.
However, Tele reported that the documents were filed and the check was sent, but it never arrived.
The Sussexes’ staff were apparently unaware that the check had been lost until they received the notice, dated May 3.
Harry enjoys basketball as couple travels through Nigeria
By Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson
PRINCE Harry was looking forward to continuing his tour of Africa – while also focusing on basketball.
He and his wife Meghan revealed a partnership between the Archewell Foundation and non-profit organization Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.
The Sussexes attended a training session at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School in Lagos, Nigeria, before Harry, 39, joined them.
He said: “The power of sport can change lives.
“It brings people together and creates a community and there are no barriers, which is the most important thing.”
Meghan, 42, later swapped a Carolina Herrera button-down shirt and traditional Nigerian skirt given to her as a gift for a favorite £3,000 yellow dress by the same designer.
She and Harry walked hand in hand as they arrived at the home of the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, where they were guests of honor.
Meanwhile, it emerged that on his three-day visit to Britain last week, Harry stayed at the hotel where he spent the night before his 2018 wedding.
At that time, Prince William also stayed, but now the brothers barely speak to each other.
It was said that the king was too busy to see Harry on his trip.
But The Sunday Times reported that Charles had agreed to host him in a royal household.
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 is on the edge of Windsor Great Park – a 15-minute drive from Windsor Castle.
The notice to the Archewell Foundation states: “The aforementioned entity is listed as delinquent on the Register of Charities and Fundraisers for failure to submit the required annual report(s) and/or fees. renovation.
“An organization listed as delinquent is not in good standing and is prohibited from engaging in conduct for which registration is required, including the solicitation or disbursement of charitable funds.”
Archewell was urged to quickly submit all necessary forms and fees “immediately” and reportedly did so – sending a second check.
The notice, from the California Department of Justice, said: “The organization may also be subject to penalties and its registration may be suspended or revoked by the Registry.
“After submitting your delinquency record(s), you will be notified of the amount of any late fees due.”
Meanwhile, the couple was in Nigeria, where they revealed a partnership between Archewell and the non-profit organization Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.
But the charity reported last year that it had suffered a major blow.
In December, Archwell reportedly suffered a whopping £8.7m drop in donations compared to the previous year.
The detailed return showed that 2022 donations fell to just over £1.6 million, compared to the £10.3 million that was donated in 2021.
It was revealed that two large anonymous donors contributed £795,210 ($1 million) each.
The Harry and Meghan Foundation also recorded a loss of £536,357 ($674,485) due to a shortfall in donations, as income was recorded at $2 million while costs were $2.67 million.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
