Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issue statement as staff cuts 'inevitable' amid Archewell changes
The couple have insisted that staff redundancies are "inevitable"
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have addressed reports of staff changes within their charitable organisation in a new statement, confirming that layoffs were a necessary part of Archewell’s recent transformation.
Following the rebranding of their foundation to Archewell Philanthropies, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex acknowledged that “some staff redundancies are inevitable”.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issue statement over staff changes at Archewell
“The move toward a fiscal sponsor operating model does mean that some staff redundancies are inevitable, particularly with junior admin roles,” a spokesperson told PEOPLE.
“We will not be discussing these personnel details further. Other than to say that we are honoured to have worked with incredibly talented and caring people who dedicate themselves to helping others.”
The remarks come after a report by the Daily Mail claimed that three employees were told their roles were being cut because “the charity was closing”. In reality, Archewell is not shutting down, but evolving.
On December 19, Harry and Meghan announced that their Archewell Foundation would now be known as Archewell Philanthropies, marking five years since the couple first launched the initiative following their exit from their senior royal duties.
“This next chapter allows Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to broaden their global philanthropic efforts as a family, with meaningful reach and maximum impact,” an official statement read. “Grounded in the same values, partnerships, and their commitment to show up and do good.”
The couple also emphasised their long-term vision as a family. The statement mentioned their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as part of the philanthropic legacy they are building.
“After five beautiful years, the Archewell Foundation is becoming Archewell Philanthropies,” the announcement added. “This charitable entity allows the couple and their children to expand upon their global philanthropic endeavours as a family.”
Archewell Philanthropies
Archewell Philanthropies will continue to operate as a non-profit. According to PEOPLE, the organisation will now use a fiscal sponsorship model which gives charitable projects more room to grow globally.
PEOPLE reports that under the new model, an established 501(c)(3) will oversee the administrative side, including compliance, finances and global grantmaking.
Launched in late 2020, Archewell was named after the Greek word arche (meaning “source of action”) and their son Archie.
It quickly became the central pillar of the Sussexes’ public life after they stepped back from royal duties.
Over the past five years, the foundation has collaborated with a wide range of partners. These include World Central Kitchen, Women for Afghan Women, and the Centre for Humane Technology.
In 2023, they launched the Parents’ Network, supporting families impacted by online harm. And in 2024, they helped fund humanitarian relief efforts for children affected by conflict in Gaza and Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Harry and Meghan also volunteered with their children in Los Angeles to prepare Thanksgiving meals in collaboration with Our Big Kitchen LA.
Behind-the-scenes footage released by Archewell showed Princess Lilibet pushing a pan rack with her dad and Meghan dancing alongside Archie.
Read more: Prince Harry’s ‘heartache’ over royal Christmas as he and Meghan Markle spend holidays in US
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