Public records reveal that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation directed funds toward Democratic-aligned organizations, raising concerns over political involvement.
February 16, 2025: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have come under scrutiny for directing hundreds of thousands of dollars from their charity, the Archewell Foundation, toward politically affiliated organizations. According to documents reviewed by the New York Post, the foundation has allocated substantial funds to figures and causes linked to the Democratic Party, including hiring a “disinformation expert” with a history of working in major U.S. elections since the 1990s.
These revelations could further strain Prince Harry’s relationship with the British royal family, especially after his brother, Prince William, met with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that King Charles has maintained a positive relationship with Trump since his presidency, and the former president has publicly expressed support for both senior royals.
Archewell’s Donations to Democrat-Linked Groups
The foundation’s financial reports reveal that in 2023, Archewell donated $146,500 to Jiore Craig, an independent media strategist widely regarded as the Democratic Party’s go-to expert on countering disinformation. Public records also show an additional $25,000 donation to the Marcy Lab School in Brooklyn, where Craig joined the board in 2024.
Craig, 33, previously worked at Washington D.C.-based research firm Greenberg, Quinlan, and Rosner, which played a significant role in Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential victory and has worked with Democratic candidates to shape political narratives.
Additionally, Archewell contributed $90,000 to Markup News Inc., a New York-based nonprofit backed by Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist, and George Soros’ Open Society Foundations.
Largest Donation to Ashley Biden’s Charity
One of Archewell’s most notable donations was $250,000 to Women’s Wellness Space, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit founded in 2023 by Ashley Biden, the daughter of President Joe Biden. The organization focuses on mental health support for women affected by trauma.
Archewell also paid $155,050 to Herlihy Loughran, a consulting firm run by former Buckingham Palace aides Beth Herlihy and Clara Loughran, for “programmatic strategic services.”
Response from Archewell
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex addressed the controversy, stating:
“The Duke and Duchess did not endorse any candidate in the [2024 presidential] election, and to suggest they are trying to curry favor with the Democratic Party simply because a donation went to Ashley Biden’s nonpartisan nonprofit focused on women’s mental health—or because they hired a consultant specializing in digital safety—is misguided.”
The couple has long been linked to progressive causes, with Meghan Markle’s potential political ambitions sparking speculation. In 2021, Harry and Meghan met with prominent Democrats, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and then-Mayor Bill de Blasio, further fueling rumors of their political aspirations.
Trump’s Reaction
Former President Donald Trump has been openly critical of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. When asked about allegations that Harry may have misrepresented details on his U.S. visa application, Trump dismissed the issue, stating:
“I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”
As discussions around Meghan’s political future continue, Archewell’s donations have raised questions about the couple’s alignment with U.S. politics, further blurring the line between royalty and activism.
Tags: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Archewell Foundation, Democratic Party, Donald Trump, King Charles, Prince William, Ashley Biden, Joe Biden, U.S. Politics, British Royal Family