According to recent reports, the Foundation has been swept up in a wave of internal chaos, marked by a dramatic staff exodus and plummeting donor confidence. Longtime executive director James Holt and communications head Meredith Maines are just the latest high-profile departures, leaving the organization dangerously understaffed.
Royal News sources confirm that Archewell’s financial health has nosedived—raising just $3.1 million in 2024, a steep drop from $7.9 million in 2023 and a far cry from the $19 million collected during its inaugural year. This downward spiral has prompted urgent cost-cutting measures, with insiders revealing that Harry and Meghan have even discussed selling the Foundation altogether.
Currently, royal commentator Daniela Elser claims that vice president Shauna Nep is essentially the “only person left” at Archewell—and even she is reportedly working only as a consultant, not a full-time employee. “This is crazy—they have lost their Foundation in a matter of weeks,” a source told News.com.au.
The hemorrhaging of talent isn’t just numerical—it’s cultural. One insider bluntly stated that remaining staff members are “enablers, enamoured with what the couple once was, not who they are today.” This sentiment echoes broader industry whispers that the Foundation’s troubles stem from leadership issues, with direct claims pointing to Meghan Markle herself.
A former Archewell communications director, Emily Robinson—who lasted only four months—reportedly cited a toxic work environment, with sources alleging, “It’s Meghan. She’s unbearable. She talks down to people and is very condescending.” These claims, though unverified, add fuel to mounting skepticism about the couple’s ability to sustain a global nonprofit.
Amid the speculation, outlets like Page Six and The Telegraph have noted Harry and Meghan’s growing desperation to stabilize the situation. Yet their efforts to “downplay the Archewell staff exodus” may no longer be enough to quell investor and public concern.
As Royal News continues to track this unfolding drama, one thing is clear: the Archewell Foundation—once heralded as a symbol of modern philanthropy—now stands at a crossroads. Whether Harry and Meghan choose to rebuild, restructure, or follow through on discussed selling plans remains to be seen. But with trust eroding and key personnel gone, the clock is ticking.
For now, the Foundation remains swept up in controversy, its legacy hanging in the balance as claims of mismanagement and interpersonal friction dominate headlines. In the world of Royal News, few stories have blended personal drama and institutional collapse quite like this one—centered squarely on Meghan Markle, Harry’s shared vision, and a Foundation fighting for survival.
