The royal family is once again embroiled in controversy, this time thanks to shocking revelations from biographer Tom Bower. In his latest book, Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors, Bower makes the explosive claim that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and her husband, Prince Harry, have drained the coffers of their charitable foundation to the tune of $200 million.
According to Bower, the couple has been using the Archewell Foundation, their nonprofit organization, as a personal slush fund to finance their lavish lifestyle. “Harry and Meghan have raided Archewell’s funds to pay for their private jet trips, their ostentatious mansions, and even their daughter Lilibet’s lavish christening party,” Bower alleges. “It’s an absolute disgrace and a betrayal of the public’s trust.”
Archewell was founded by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2020, shortly after their dramatic exit from the royal family. The foundation’s stated mission is to unleash the power of compassion by supporting initiatives related to mental health, racial justice, gender equity, climate change, and other important causes. However, Bower claims that, in reality, Archewell has become little more than a vehicle for the couple to enrich themselves.
“Harry and Meghan have used Archewell to line their own pockets,” Bower writes. “They funneled millions of dollars into their personal accounts under the guise of charitable work. It’s a shameless abuse of their platform and the goodwill of their supporters.”
One particularly egregious example, according to Bower, is the couple’s lavish christening party for their daughter Lilibet in Montecito, California, last year. The event, which was attended by a small circle of the couple’s celebrity friends, reportedly cost over $10 million to host. “That money should have gone to helping people, not throwing an extravagant party for their inner circle,” Bower states. “It’s obscene that they would use charitable donations to fund their own personal celebrations.”
The biographer also alleges that Harry and Meghan have used Archewell funds to finance their property portfolio, which includes their $14 million mansion in Montecito, as well as a $9.5 million estate in Montecito that they purchased last year. “They’re basically stealing from the very people they claim to be helping,” Bower said in a recent interview. “It’s the height of hypocrisy.”
Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have vehemently denied Bower’s allegations, calling them baseless and defamatory. In a strongly worded statement, a spokesperson for Archewell said, “The foundation’s finances are transparent and above board, and that all expenditures are in service of the charitable work we do.” However, Bower stands by his reporting, insisting that he has seen documentation and spoken to multiple sources who have confirmed the couple’s misuse of Archewell funds. “This isn’t some unsubstantiated rumor. I have the receipts to prove it,” Bower said. “Harry and Meghan are nothing but common thieves, and I’m going to keep exposing their lies and deceit until the whole world knows the truth.”
The revelations have sent shockwaves through the royal family and the wider public, with many calling for a full investigation into Archewell’s finances. Some have even suggested that the couple could face criminal charges for their alleged misappropriation of funds. “If these allegations are true, it’s an absolute disgrace,” said royal commentator Ingrid Seward. “The public entrusted Harry and Meghan to use their platform and resources to help those in need, not line their own pockets. There needs to be accountability.”
Others have pointed to the scandal as further proof of the couple’s self-serving and entitled behavior since departing the royal family. “This is exactly why so many people have turned against Harry and Meghan,” said royal biographer Angela Levin. “They’ve shown time and time again that they’re only interested in fame and fortune, not genuine philanthropy. They’re a disgrace to the Windsor name.”
For their part, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have remained largely silent on the allegations, save for their forceful denial issued through Archewell. However, some royal watchers believe the couple may be preparing to mount a more robust defense in the coming weeks. “Harry and Meghan are not going to let these allegations go unchallenged,” said royal correspondent Roya Nikkhah. “They have a history of going after their critics with lawsuits and aggressive PR campaigns. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see them come out swinging in the near future.”
Regardless of how the couple responds, the damage to their public image may already be done. The Archewell scandal has reignited long-standing criticisms of the couple’s seemingly insatiable appetite for wealth and fame.