Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's charity contributions to Democratic operatives and causes have triggered calls for a U.S. congressional investigation.
The New York Post reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, through their Archewell Foundation, have reportedly directed substantial funds toward various progressive entities and individuals strongly linked to the Democratic Party in the United States.
Notable among these disbursements are payments to Jiore Craig, a former Democratic operative skilled in counteracting disinformation, and monetary gifts to the Marcy Lab School in Brooklyn.
In a detailed financial breakdown, it's revealed that the Archewell Foundation donated $146,500 to Jiore Craig in 2023, and another $120,000 in 2022. Beyond personal support, the foundation also allocated $25,000 to the Marcy Lab School, a choice that drew attention as Craig is a board member at this institution.
The school isn't the only beneficiary; several media outlets and nonprofits with progressive inclinations also received funding.
Among these, Markup News Inc. stands out, sustained by prominent donors including George Soros. This pattern of donations underpins the growing speculations regarding the Sussexes' political leanings.
Meanwhile, Archewell's most sizable contribution in 2023—a $250,000 donation—went to the Women’s Wellness Space. This charity, established by Ashley Biden, daughter of U.S. President Joe Biden, focuses on women's mental health.
Nile Gardiner of the Heritage Foundation criticized this involvement, highlighting the controversial nature of active political engagement by royals, stating, "Harry and Meghan still retain royal titles and should not be engaging in any way in political activity. It’s outrageous."
Adding to their comprehensive outreach, the Archewell Foundation also supported Herlihy Loughran, a strategy firm managed by ex-Buckingham Palace aides. This demonstrates a strategic panorama covering various aspects of influence and image management, from political advice to media control.
These contributions, especially given their recipients, have not escaped the eye of U.S. politics. President Donald Trump notably commented on Meghan Markle's influence in the dynamic, saying, "I’ll leave him [Prince Harry] alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible." This jab underscores the divisive opinions surrounding the couple's actions and affiliations.
Meghan Markle herself further stirred the political pot by meeting with Democratic leaders like Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Bill de Blasio, indicating an alignment—or at the very least, an engagement—with key political figures and agendas in the U.S.
Despite these controversies, the spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex defended their actions and clarified their intent.
They articulated that the couple did not endorse any candidate in the 2024 presidential election, and were misinterpreted in their philanthropic efforts: "It’s important to note The Duke and Duchess did not endorse any candidate in the 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 Duke and Duchess are committed to investing in people and initiatives that truly make a difference," stated the spokesperson.
As questions about the propriety of these financial entanglements continue to mount, the calls for a congressional investigation seek to address and possibly disentangle the complex intersection of international royalty, charity, and U.S. electoral politics.
The controversy shows how global figures can become participants, willingly or not, in the politically charged atmosphere of another country, particularly when substantial funds and high-profile connections are involved.
Whether or not this inquiry will proceed remains uncertain, but the implications are palpable. They resonate across political spectrums, possibly influencing the Sussexes' future activities and the broader dialogue about royal involvement in politics.