Prince Harry and Meghan Markle encountered a significant controversy involving their organization, Archewell, while on their Nigerian trip.
According to a royal expert, the Duke and Duchess were deeply concerned upon learning about the controversy surrounding their Archewell charity.
The non-profit organization faced a setback as it was required to suspend all fundraising and spending due to allegations of failing to submit its annual report and registration fees.
However, an investigation revealed that Archewell had indeed fulfilled its obligations, with all necessary documents and payments delivered on time to the Attorney General's Office. Consequently, the charity's status has been updated to "current."
The news emerged while the couple was in Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games. Royal author Tom Quinn suggested that Meghan and Harry may have experienced anxiety when the scandal became public.
Tom told The Mirror, "According to friends of the couple, Harry and Meghan were almost hysterical when they were told their charity Archewell had been banned from charitable activities for failing to pay their registration fee."
He added, "The couple insist it was just a simple mistake and that the cheque is in the post, but however you dress it up, it looks like incompetence."
He further stated, "Harry and Meghan are highly sensitive about any criticism of their charitable work, especially since over the past few years at least five senior Archewell staff have resigned."
The initial scathing letter from California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, stated that the charity had allowed official registration fees to lapse since the beginning of May, resulting in the charity being considered "not in good standing" and restricted from undertaking activities requiring registration.
A source close to Archewell previously spoke to The Mirror about the drama and insisted the fees were never late. The source claimed, "For whatever reason, it has not been cashed. As soon as the foundation learnt of the problem, they immediately issued another cheque."
A representative for AWF later told The Mirror, "We have diligently investigated the situation and can confirm that The Archewell Foundation remains fully compliant and in good standing."
In a statement to The LA Times, the California attorney general’s press office said, "After being in touch with our Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, the organization is current and in good standing."
Speaking in a press conference, California governor Gavin Newsom defended Archewell, stating, "I just want folks to know, not only are they in compliance, it was a technical paperwork issue that was wildly over-hyped."
