Meghan Markle and Prince Harry said their charity losing multiple employees is “inevitable” as the foundation is desperate to save money.
Page Six confirmed that three members — 60% of the Archewell Philanthropies staff — have been let go.
A spokesperson for the couple responded to the staff changes, confirming that there were “redundancies.”
“Currently, the same full team remains in place,” the spokesperson said. “This move does mean that some staff redundancies are inevitable, particularly with junior admin roles.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s spokesperson called three employees being let go from their Archewell Philanthropies “inevitable” as the charity undergoes rebranding. Jason Sean Weiss
Page Six confirmed that three members — 60% of staff — have been let go. The Archewell Foundation
“We will not be discussing these personnel details further, other than to say that we are honoured to have worked with incredibly talented and caring people who dedicate themselves to helping others,” the statement continued.
Page Six reported the couple was “forced to downsize the staff” because it was “costing them so much.”
Insiders told us Prince Harry and Meghan have discussed the charity’s future — as it has struggled with funding.
“The big question was, would Archewell close, or would another charity take it over?” the source told Page Six. “Harry and Meghan were looking to get a fiscal sponsor, someone to take on the outgoing costs and to keep things cheap.
“Really, it’s all smoke and mirrors.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s spokesperson said, “Currently, the same full team remains in place. This move does mean that some staff redundancies are inevitable, particularly with junior admin roles.” Archewell Foundation via Getty Images
The statement continued, “We will not be discussing these personnel details further, other than to say that we are honoured to have worked with incredibly talented and caring people who dedicate themselves to helping others.” Archewell Foundation via Getty Images
The Archewell Foundation’s contributions tanked in 2024, with a reported $5.1 million worth of expenses and donations only totaling $2.1 million, the Daily Mail reported on Saturday.
According to documents obtained by Page Six, in 2023, the charity brought in $5.73 million in revenue and spent $3.3 million in expenses.
The charity also hit a rough patch in 2022 when an expense bill of $2,679,537 was more than the $2,005,052 in revenue.
Prince Harry and Meghan announced Friday that Archewell Foundation will now be called Archewell Philanthropies. The Archewell Foundation via Getty Images
The rebrand comes five years after the couple created the charity after exiting the royal family and moving to California. Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds
However, the charity’s first fiscal year with the charity was a success, with $13,005,660 in revenue and $3,987,070 in expenses.
Archewell gave out $1.25 million in grants in 2024.
“If they’re shooting out grants then that’s a net loss and they’re not bringing in that much money,” a source told Page Six.
Meghan, 44, and Harry, 41, announced last week that the Archewell Foundation will now be called Archewell Philanthropies.
The rebrand came on the fifth anniversary of the foundation, which the couple launched in 2020 shortly after they quit their royal duties and moved to California.
A source told Page Six, “Harry and Meghan have been forced to downsize the staff as it was costing them so much.” Archewell Foundation via Getty Images
“Really, it’s all smoke and mirrors,” the insider said. Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds
“Five years ago, The Archewell Foundation was born from a simple but profound belief: to show up and do good,” an impact report issued Friday read.
“Today, as we mark our fifth anniversary, that mission remains as vital and urgent as ever — now carried forward through Archewell Philanthropies, a growing platform designed to deepen and expand how we serve communities around the world.”
The statement concluded, “What began as a commitment to compassion has evolved into a powerful force for meaningful change, particularly in championing global mental wellness across our communities.”