Five years after its creation, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are taking the next step in their philanthropic journey.
The couple’s charity, previously known as the Archewell Foundation, will now be called Archewell Philanthropies.
This change comes as the organization celebrates half a decade of charitable work since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and moved to Los Angeles in 2020.
The foundation was born out of the couple’s vision to “Show up, do good,” a motto that continues to guide their initiatives around the globe.
Over the years, Archewell has championed causes ranging from digital safety and ethical artificial intelligence (AI) to supporting children impacted by conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name “Archewell” reflects a thoughtful philosophy.
“Arche” comes from the ancient Greek word for “source of action,” while “well” symbolizes abundance and depth—a place to dig deep and find sustenance.
As the foundation evolves, Harry and Meghan hope the new name will better represent the broad scope of their philanthropic ambitions.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes explained, “This next chapter allows Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to expand their global philanthropic efforts as a family, creating meaningful impact while staying grounded in the values, partnerships, and commitment to show up and do good that have always defined Archewell.”
Fundraising Through Unique Experiences
In a move that caught attention, the Sussexes have quietly offered exclusive opportunities for wealthy donors to spend time with them.
Tickets for a dinner with the couple reportedly cost around $100,000 (£75,000) per person, facilitated through the company CharityBuzz.
So far, Archewell has mainly relied on anonymous donors to fund its grants.
But these high-profile dinners are helping raise additional funds while remaining relatively private.
A spokesperson confirmed, “We have partnered with numerous fundraising partners over the years, and CharityBuzz has been one of them,” noting the Sussexes used the platform for a dinner event on World Mental Health Day.
CharityBuzz has a long history of connecting celebrities with charitable causes, raising around $650 million (£485 million) since its inception, and hosting events with the likes of George Clooney, Beyoncé, and Sir Paul McCartney.
While royal engagement for payment is traditionally frowned upon, Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the royal family, making this approach distinct from past controversies involving other royals.
Private Access for High Rollers
The opportunity to dine with Harry and Meghan was reportedly not widely advertised but offered privately to select “high rollers” accustomed to paying for celebrity experiences.
Other CharityBuzz offers include dinner with Bob Odenkirk for $10,000 (£7,500) and platinum Grammy tickets for $50,000 (£37,000).
A source commented on the Sussexes’ strategy: “People will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to have dinner with them,” highlighting the unique appeal their post-royal status holds in the philanthropic and celebrity worlds.
Internal Changes and Future Plans
The foundation itself is also undergoing internal adjustments, with staff restructuring reportedly underway.
A spokesperson for Archewell teased, “Yes, we are making some Archewell changes, and we’ll be sharing exciting developments regarding how we will deliver our philanthropic work moving forward, when we choose to.
We look forward to communicating more in due course.”
Founded in 2020, the Archewell Foundation has been the central hub for the couple’s charitable work.
Last year, it donated £1,026,240 to various causes and received £4,183,892 in grants, primarily from a significant contribution of £3,947,148 from Fidelity Charitable, a US-based fund that also supported the foundation in the previous year.
The remaining funds came from five anonymous donors.
Looking Ahead
With a refreshed name, strategic fundraising efforts, and internal restructuring, Archewell Philanthropies is clearly poised to expand its reach and impact.
For Harry and Meghan, this marks not just a milestone, but the beginning of a broader, more ambitious chapter in their charitable journey.
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