Harry and Meghan’s Mystery Donor: The Secret Behind Archwell’s Funding

In a surprising turn of events, the Archwell Foundation, founded by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, appears to be heavily reliant on a single anonymous benefactor.

A recent investigation by DailyMail.com has unveiled that a staggering $10 million, which represents 77% of the foundation's total income for 2021, came from this undisclosed source.

This revelation raises eyebrows about the sustainability and independence of the couple's philanthropic efforts.

The Archwell Foundation recently published its impact report covering the years 2020 to 2022.

According to notes from Omid Scobie, a journalist closely associated with the Sussexes, the foundation reported a total revenue of $13 million and allocated around $3 million in grants.

These funds have been directed toward various initiatives, including vaccine equity, refugee resettlement, and mental health support.

However, the bulk of this financial backing seems to stem from one wealthy individual.

This mystery donor funneled the funds through the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), a prominent organization that allows affluent philanthropists to make anonymous donations while benefiting from tax deductions.

By establishing a donor-advised fund with SVCF, this benefactor has effectively kept their identity under wraps while supporting Archwell financially.

Interestingly, in 2020, Archwell raised less than $50,000, indicating a modest start for the charity.

The following year, however, saw a remarkable transformation as it secured the backing of an influential patron.

Should this financial lifeline vanish, Archwell could face significant challenges in continuing its support for organizations like Girls Inc. and the UK mental health charity Mind.

The $10 million grant is categorized on the SVCF website as general non-profit support, rather than earmarked for specific projects.

This is somewhat unusual, as most donations through SVCF typically target designated initiatives.

Such flexibility means Archwell can allocate these funds toward operational costs, marketing efforts, and salaries, raising questions about the motivations behind such a substantial, unrestricted donation.

Speculation has arisen regarding the identity of this benefactor, with some theories suggesting that Harry himself might be behind the funding.

Some commentators propose that the donation could be linked to the $20 million advance he received for his memoir, “Spare.”

This theory posits that Harry might be channeling his earnings into Archwell to avoid personal income taxes, thereby allowing the foundation to cover various personal expenses under the guise of charitable work.

If Harry were to take the $10 million as a salary, he would face significant tax liabilities.

However, by donating it to Archwell, he could potentially sidestep those taxes while still ensuring that the foundation has ample resources at its disposal.

The funds could then be used for various overhead costs, including travel expenses and even personal staff.

Moreover, there are suggestions that Archwell staff may also assist Harry and Meghan with personal tasks, blurring the lines between their charitable work and private lives.

Publicity efforts that benefit their brand may be funded through Archwell, further complicating the narrative of their philanthropic intentions.

Fans of the royal couple have their theories about the source of this mystery donation, with some speculating it could be compensation from Oprah Winfrey for their high-profile interview or the documentary “The Me You Can't See,” which Harry collaborated on with her.

While both Harry and Meghan have publicly stated they did not receive payment for these projects, the notion that they might have been compensated through a donation to Archwell lingers in the minds of many.

As the story unfolds, the implications of this funding model raise important questions about the nature of celebrity philanthropy and transparency.

The reliance on a single donor could potentially undermine the foundation's credibility and raise ethical concerns about the influence of wealth on charitable endeavors.

With ongoing scrutiny surrounding their financial practices and the mystery donor's identity, Harry and Meghan's philanthropic journey continues to captivate public interest.