Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's financial dealings made by way of their charity, the Archewell Foundation, have sparked controversy with their alleged channeling of significant funds to political operatives and causes has drawn scrutiny and criticism.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, through Archewell, are now under the microscope for donations aimed at Democratic Party-aligned initiatives, as the New York Post reports.

In 2023, Archewell made headlines by donating $146,500 to Jiore Craig, a media strategist known for her counter-disinformation expertise and involvement in Democratic Party campaigns.

With a background at Washington, D.C. research firm Greenberg, Quinlan, and Rosner, Craig's strategies have been influential since 2016.

Controversial Donaltions Emerge

Among their donations, Archewell contributed $25,000 to the Marcy Lab School. This Brooklyn-based institution added Craig to its board in 2024, highlighting her alignment with educational priorities.

Prior to this, in 2022, Archewell recorded another $120,000 donation to Craig, reflecting a consistent pattern of support.

Funding also extended to other influential organizations and individuals. Archewell provided $90,000 to Markup News Inc., a non-profit endorsed by Craig Newmark and Open Society Foundations, run by George Soros.

Furthering their claimed advocacy for wellness and support of women, a substantial $250,000 was directed to the Women’s Wellness Space. This charity, established by Ashley Biden in 2023, underscores Archewell's stated interest in mental health and women's issues.

Royal Relationships in Political Contexts

Interestingly, Archewell paid $155,050 to Herlihy Loughran, a firm offering strategic services run by former Buckingham Palace aides. This connection intertwines royal ties with Archewell's operations, potentially affecting internal relationships within the royal family.

These financial contributions raise questions about Prince Harry's relationship with his family. Previously, Prince William engaged with former President Donald Trump, while King Charles retained a degree of connection, receiving words of support from Trump.

Recent comments from Trump dismissed allegations against Harry and leveled criticism on Meghan Markle herself, stating, “I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”

Public Reactions and Criticism Arise

Public sentiment on this topic has been varied. Nile Gardiner of the Heritage Foundation vocalized strong disapproval regarding these political donations.

“Harry and Meghan still retain royal titles and should not be engaging in any way in political activity. It’s actually outrageous,” Gardiner commented, reflecting the view of those concerned with royal protocol.

Meanwhile, representing the couple, a spokesperson defended their actions. The spokesperson emphasized that the Duke and Duchess did not endorse any candidate during the 2024 presidential election.

Additionally, the representative articulated that insinuations of currying favor with political parties due to donations to nonpartisan organizations like Ashley Biden’s nonprofit or hiring consultants for digital safety, are misguided.

“The Duke and Duchess are committed to investing in people and initiatives that truly make a difference,” the representative stated, emphasizing the couple's desire to engage in impactful philanthropy.

Challenges in Blending Charity and Politics

Amid these controversies, attention focuses on Archewell's activities in a broader context. The charity’s involvement with organizations like the Women’s Wellness Space and Marcy Lab School frames a narrative of a commitment to empowerment and education. However, the political affiliations and strategic service payments continue to stir debate.

As the royal couple navigates public and media scrutiny, questions arise about how these donations align with Archewell's stated mission. The intersection of royal status, political donations, and public service breeds complex narratives within royal-watcher communities and political analysts alike.