PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have spoken out after their charity was declared in default.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation has reportedly been ordered to stop raising money after failing to submit records – and pay a bill.
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Harry and Meghan have now released a statement, insisting their charity is “fully compliant”.
The Archewell Foundation said this evening: “We have diligently investigated the situation and can confirm that the Archewell Foundation remains fully compliant and in good standing.
“Payments due were made promptly and in accordance with IRS processes and procedures.
“In addition, all necessary documentation was completed by the Foundation without errors or irregularities.”
It was reported last night that the Sussexes’ charity had been declared delinquent.
O Telegraph reported that Archewell received a notice of default and was prohibited from collecting or spending money until he paid the 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.
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.”
Earlier today, Sussex sources claimed that the notice was actually issued because officials from California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office failed to process the $200 (£160) check.
This small fee was to pay the annual registration bill, as reported by Online Mail.
It comes after the charity last year reported it had suffered a major blow.
What does ‘delinquency’ mean?
In commercial terms, default refers to the state of delay of a debt.
- Default occurs when a borrower fails to pay a loan, which can affect their credit score.
- Default rates are used to show how many accounts in a financial institution’s portfolio are delinquent.
- When a charitable organization does not submit complete records for each fiscal year, its status on the Attorney General’s Register of Charities and Fundraising will be listed as Delinquent.
- If the default is not remedied, the Registration status will be changed to Suspended and/or Revoked.
- A charity that is not in good standing with the Register of Charities and Fundraisers will not be able to operate or receive donations.
Source; oag.ca.gov
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.
And it was also revealed that two major donors contributed £795,210 (1 million dollars) each.
But the two generous donors to Harry and Meg’s foundation remain anonymous.
The previous year, an unnamed donor gave them £7.8 million, but there has been no repeat of that impressive generosity in 2022.
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.
Meanwhile, the Sussexes have been in Nigeria – with the duchess giving a sweet nod to Lilibet on Mother’s Day.
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.
They revealed a partnership between Archewell and non-profit organization Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.
Harry and Meghan today released a statement about their “unforgettable” visit to the Sussex site.
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 statement addressed a pre-game parade and a “vibrant display of young enthusiasts in polo attire.”
They hailed the jubilant day “full of 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 statement continued.
“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 couple’s message concluded with an extension of their “deepest gratitude” to the welcoming Nigerian community for their “tremendous hospitality.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
