However, representatives from the Archewell Foundation, their charitable organization, reportedly insisted that the Harlem School sign an agreement prohibiting negative comments and any social media posts related to the visit. Sources close to the foundation claim that this request adhered to standard practice.
The visit to Public School 123 was captured in the Netflix series, and Meghan's attire, with the expensive suit and $387,000 worth of jewelry, was particularly noteworthy, given that 95% of the school's children face economic hardships.
Freedom of Information requests have revealed how the Sussexes' advisors at Archewell sought to safeguard their public image. These documents also shed light on how the team prevented four British newspapers from attending an event at the World Trade Center, despite it being a publicly owned building.
Preparations for the Sussexes' trip commenced six months prior to the event and were managed by Toya Horness, a member of their PR team at Archewell. Archewell representatives emailed the Department of Education three days before the visit, requesting an appearance release that included the clause restricting negative comments and asking for legal review.
Email correspondence also revealed discussions about the language used in the Department of Education's press release. Daniella Philson, New York City Schools press secretary, sought to tone down the promotional language, emphasizing that the children involved were not of an age to sign contracts. Under U.S. contract law, individuals under 18 are typically considered incapable of entering into enforceable contracts. This means that the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for elementary students is considered null and void due to their ages, which range from 4 to 11 years old.
Critics have argued that Meghan and Harry violated the privacy of these children by recording them without permission. Additionally, some parents have voiced concerns about the lack of communication regarding the visit, with one parent expressing dissatisfaction that the children were told they would be visited by a princess. Furthermore, a mother from the school reported that her daughter was sent home with a $5 donation request in exchange for free copies of "The Bench."
This raised eyebrows as Meghan and Harry appeared at a school serving families with modest means while donning designer clothing, seemingly using the event for a PR photo opportunity and then requesting money from the parents of the same children. Additionally, some parents found that "The Bench" was not a book that resonated with or entertained their children and could not be used effectively in the school.
