In an unfolding chapter of high-profile political drama, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell charity has made substantial donations to initiatives associated with the Democratic Party. This move by the royal couple has spotlighted their continued friction with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to the US Sun, Harry and Meghan's charity contributions challenge the usual royal stance on political neutrality, intensifying their public dispute with Donald Trump.
Donald Trump has vocally criticized Meghan Markle, labeling her "terrible" amidst their ongoing disagreement. This discord has roots back several years, indicating a deep-seated tension between the former U.S. President and the royal couple.
The controversy further deepens with Archewell's financial involvement in political matters. In 2023 alone, the charity donated $146,500 to Jiore Craig, a known media strategist working against disinformation for the Democratic Party.
Moreover, Archewell's contribution extended to the Marcy Lab School in Brooklyn, where Craig became a board member in 2024. The charity donated $25,000 to this educational initiative, further aligning with figures actively involved in Democratic politics.
In 2022, before the more recent donations, Archewell had already contributed $120,000 to Jiore Craig. Her involvement with a Washington DC research firm tied to Bill Clinton's presidential campaign cements her place within Democratic circles.
Archewell directly funded Markup News Inc. with a $90,000 donation. Other Democrat donors, including Craig Newmark, also back this organization, positioning Archewell more firmly within a partisan landscape.
Archewell’s total contributions to Democratic-linked causes and personalities clearly indicate a controversial strategy that aligns the charity with specific political interests. This alignment became most evident in 2023 when Archewell donated $250,000 to a charity that President Joe Biden’s daughter, Ashley, established.
Meghan has publicly criticized Trump in the past, describing him as "misogynistic" and "divisive." These remarks contribute to the layered complexities of their interactions with Trump and his policies.
During a prank call where he was impersonated as climate activist Greta Thunberg, Prince Harry accused Trump of having "blood on his hands" for his environmental policies. Such statements show a commitment to certain ideological stances that starkly contrast with Trump's perspectives.
Despite the heated words, Trump has stated that he would not consider deporting Harry, despite acknowledging his past drug use and turbulent relationship with Meghan. This suggests a limit to how far Trump is willing to escalate the situation, possibly due to his claimed positive relationship with King Charles and Prince William.
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan released a statement emphasizing that their political donations do not constitute an endorsement of any particular party or candidate. The statement articulated, "It’s important to note The Duke and Duchess did not endorse any candidate in the [2024 presidential] election, and to suggest they’re trying to curry favor with the Democratic Party — simply because a donation went to Ashley Biden’s nonpartisan nonprofit focused on women’s mental health, or because they hired a consultant specializing in digital safety — is misguided."
The spokesperson further stressed that the Duke and Duchess are dedicated to "investing in people and initiatives that truly make a difference," reflecting their broader philanthropic strategy rather than a mere political maneuver.
As Archewell continues to support causes and individuals aligned with the Democratic Party, the political implications of their donations remain under scrutiny. For Harry and Meghan, whose lives are constantly under the public lens, such actions inevitably invite political interpretation, adding another layer to their ongoing narrative with political figures, including Donald Trump.
