Gov. Gavin Newsom Defends Harry And Meghan's Charity As It's No Longer 'Delinquent'

At a press conference, Governor Gavin Newsom defended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Archewell Foundation, highlighting its positive impact and dismissing the recent issue plaguing the charity as "overhyped."

California's Attorney General's Office has also confirmed that the charity foundation is in good standing and has done nothing wrong. Sources assert that the paperwork was filed on time despite being initially labeled "delinquent" for paperwork discrepancies.

During a recent press conference at a behavioral health treatment center in San Mateo County, Governor Newsom voiced his support for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Archewell Foundation. He addressed the situation that emerged after the California Attorney General's office labeled the foundation as "delinquent."

Newsom praised the Foundation's positive impact, particularly in mental health support for women and girls, stating: "I'm here at a behavioral health site, a mental health site. Archewell Foundation, run by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, do extraordinary work, particularly [for] women and girls, but notably, around mental health."

He noted that the recent coverage of a paperwork issue was a common technicality, adding, "And I just want folks to know, not only are they in compliance, it was a technical paperwork issue that was wildly overhyped."

Newsom also underscored Archewell Foundation's contributions to California and called for fair media representation.

He said, "I hope people that ran those headlines run this headline, that it was a very typical, technical issue around paperwork that persists for so many others as well."

Newsome emphasized the Foundation's compliance, adding: "And they're in full compliance, and they're a celebrated organization that does great work in the state of California."

He concluded his commentary on the couple, saying, "So I wanted to clarify that because that's important, and I just thought there was a little bit of a piling on that was deeply unfair."

In a statement provided on May 14, a spokesperson for the foundation affirmed, "We have diligently investigated the situation and can confirm that The Archewell Foundation remains fully compliant and in good standing."

They clarified that payments were made "promptly and in accordance with IRS procedures, with all necessary paperwork filed without error or wrongdoing."

The California Attorney General's Office also confirmed that the organization "is current and in good standing" after consulting with the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.

On the same day, a source close to the charity stated that the organization had met the state's tax filing requirements, as reported in December.

They refuted claims suggesting otherwise, noting that any payments were sent via tracked mail to the Attorney General's Office and received on time.

Archewell Foundation was previously flagged as "delinquent" by the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers for "failing to submit required annual reports and renewal fees."

The registry specified that Archewell did not properly submit its annual report or renewal fees and has consequently been temporarily prohibited from fundraising or distributing charitable funds.

However, sources close to the Sussexes insisted that the paperwork was indeed filed on time, attributing the discrepancy to a missing "check" that accompanied the documents sent via mail.

They further asserted that a new check had been mailed and that the foundation was anticipating a resolution within seven business days. However, the source later noted that the check never went missing and that it was actually received by US officials who allegedly did nor process it.

Harry and Meghan recently concluded an international visit to Nigeria, where the Archewell Foundation unveiled two new initiatives.

During their visit to the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Archewell announced that it is broadening its partnership with the GEANCO Foundation to include mental health resources and training for young people.

Additionally, during their visit to Ilupeju Senior Grammar School in Lagos, it was revealed that the Archewell Foundation has facilitated the expansion of programming for the youth-focused sports charity Giants of Africa. This expansion includes a new adaptive court and accessible sports activities in Abuja.

Harry spoke with People Magazine about the tour, "These trips are about us being able to go out and focus on the things that mean so much to us. And being able to be on the ground, to us, is what it's all about."