Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have always been vocal about their philanthropic efforts, but their latest financial moves have stirred up political controversy.
Reports indicate that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have allocated significant funds through their Archewell Foundation to organizations and individuals with ties to left-leaning politics.
This revelation has reignited discussions about their political influence and spending priorities.
Major Donations Under Scrutiny
One of the most talked-about contributions was a $250,000 donation in 2023 to a nonprofit founded by Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden.
The charity, Women’s Wellness Space, aims to support women affected by trauma.
This sizable donation, made a year before the organization officially launched, has raised eyebrows about the Sussexes’ connections to the Democratic sphere.
Additionally, documents obtained by the New York Post revealed that Joire Craig, a well-known Democratic strategist specializing in countering disinformation, received substantial payments from Archewell.
In 2023, Craig was paid $146,500, and the previous year, she reportedly earned $120,000 from the foundation.
With a background in election strategy at Greenberg, Quinlan, and Rosner, Craig was instrumental in shaping digital narratives, including efforts to address concerns over President Biden’s age and family during election cycles.
Links to Democrat-Aligned Organizations
Archewell’s financial records also show a $90,000 contribution to Markup News Inc., a nonprofit backed by major Democratic donors such as George Soros’ Open Society Foundation and Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist.
Another $155,050 was allocated to Herlihy Loughran, a consulting firm founded by former Buckingham Palace aides, for strategic services.
In addition, the foundation contributed $25,000 in 2022 to the Mercy Lab School in Brooklyn, where Craig later joined the board.
These spending patterns have fueled speculation about whether the Sussexes are using their charity to engage in political activism under the guise of philanthropy.
Clashes with Conservative Figures
The timing of these donations has coincided with rising tensions between Prince Harry and conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump.
Trump recently stated that he would not pursue deportation actions against Harry despite concerns about his U.S. visa status, commenting that the prince “has enough problems with his wife.”
Meanwhile, Prince William, Harry’s older brother and the future King of England, met privately with Trump at the British ambassador’s residence in Paris shortly before Christmas.
The meeting reportedly went well, with Trump later praising William as a “good man.”
Calls for Congressional Investigation
Conservative voices, including Nile Gardiner from the Heritage Foundation, have called for an official investigation into the Sussexes’ financial activities.
Gardiner argued that Harry and Meghan, as royals, should refrain from engaging in political matters.
“It’s actually outrageous,” he told the New York Post, emphasizing that their titles come with an expectation of political neutrality.
Meghan and Harry Defend Their Spending
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for the couple pushed back, calling the backlash “misguided.”
They clarified that the Duke and Duchess did not endorse any political candidate in the 2024 election.
The statement highlighted their dedication to supporting causes that align with their mission, stating, “To suggest they’re 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 Duke and Duchess are committed to investing in people and initiatives that truly make a difference.”
What’s Next for the Sussexes?
With increasing scrutiny on their financial and political affiliations, it remains to be seen how Meghan and Harry will navigate their philanthropic efforts moving forward.
Will they adjust their approach to avoid further controversy, or will they continue to challenge traditional royal expectations?
Either way, their actions will likely remain a focal point of public discussion.
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