The philanthropic organisation founded by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is entering a new era with a significant name change. The Archewell Foundation is now rebranding as Archewell Philanthropies, a move that coincides with the charity celebrating its fifth anniversary.
A New Chapter for Sussex Philanthropy
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle established their charitable venture in 2020, following their step back from official royal duties and their relocation to the United States. Based in Los Angeles, the organisation has always operated under the straightforward mission to "Show up, do good".
A spokeswoman for the couple explained the reasoning behind the rebrand. She stated that this evolution enables Prince Harry and Meghan to expand their global philanthropic work as a family, aiming for greater reach and impact while staying true to their core values and partnerships.
Focus on Digital Spaces and Global Crises
Over the past year, the foundation's efforts have concentrated on two major modern challenges: fostering safer online environments and encouraging the responsible development of artificial intelligence. Alongside this tech-focused advocacy, it has directed substantial funds to humanitarian causes.
The charity donated a total of $500,000 (approximately £369,000) to projects aiding children affected by conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. This sum was distributed through three specific grants:
- $200,000 (£145,600) to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to support medical evacuations from Gaza to Jordan.
- $150,000 (£111,700) to Save the Children for ongoing humanitarian support in Gaza.
- $150,000 (£111,700) to the Centre of Blast Injury Studies to fund the development of prosthetic limbs for children seriously injured in the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Overcoming Administrative Hurdles
The organisation faced a brief administrative setback earlier this year. In May 2024, the charity was listed as "delinquent" by California's registry after failing to submit required annual reports and renewal fees by the deadline. A formal notice was issued on 3 May, warning that a delinquent entity is barred from soliciting or disbursing funds and risks having its registration suspended.
However, the status was swiftly rectified. The required documents and fees were filed, and the foundation's standing was returned to "current" within days. A subsequent statement from the California Department of Justice confirmed that Archewell is "current and in good standing".
The name 'Archewell' itself holds personal significance for the couple, blending the ancient Greek word "arche," meaning source of action, with "well," to signify a plentiful source or a place to dig deep. As Archewell Philanthropies, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are signalling a broader, consolidated approach to their charitable ambitions as they move beyond their initial five-year milestone.
