Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation Faces Scrutiny Over Political Donations
In a surprising turn of events, new documents have revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation has spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on Democratic-aligned political operatives and causes. This revelation has sparked controversy, particularly given the couple’s royal status and their commitment to charitable work. Among the notable expenditures is a £198,000 donation to a charity founded by Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden, which has raised eyebrows and prompted a defense from the couple.
The Archewell Foundation, established by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has reportedly made a significant donation of $250,000 (£198,000) to Ashley Biden’s nonprofit organization, which focuses on women’s mental health. In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the couple emphasized that their contributions do not equate to political endorsements. “It’s important to note the Duke and Duchess did not endorse any candidate in the [2024 presidential] election,” they stated. They further clarified that the donation was aimed at supporting a nonpartisan cause, dismissing claims that the couple is attempting to gain favor with the Democratic Party.
But the spending doesn’t stop there. The foundation also allocated $146,500 (£116,000) to Joire Craig, a recognized election strategist known for her work with the Democratic Party. Craig has an impressive resume, having served as Senior Director of Digital Strategy during the 2016 election and later as Vice President until 2021. Her expertise lies in crafting effective digital strategies for political candidates and organizations, which has raised questions about the foundation’s political leanings.
Additionally, Archewell contributed $90,000 to Markup News Inc., a nonprofit organization backed by prominent Democratic donors, including Craigslist founder Craig Newmark and George Soros’ Open Society Foundations. This connection has drawn criticism from conservative figures, including Nile Gardiner of the Heritage Foundation, who has called for congressional scrutiny of the foundation’s financial activities. Gardiner expressed his concerns, stating, “Harry and Meghan still retain royal titles and should not be engaging in any way in political activity. It’s outrageous.”
Despite the controversy, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain steadfast in their mission. Their spokesperson reiterated their commitment to investing in initiatives that create a meaningful impact, emphasizing that their focus is on charitable work rather than political maneuvering.
As the couple navigates the complexities of their philanthropic efforts, the intersection of charity and politics continues to be a hot topic. With their royal titles still intact, many are watching closely to see how the Duke and Duchess balance their charitable endeavors with the expectations that come with their status. Whether this scrutiny will affect their future initiatives remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Archewell Foundation is making headlines, and the conversation around their spending is far from over.
