In the ongoing dynamics of royal philanthropy, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have encountered a new challenge as Prince William and Kate Middleton successfully raised a substantial amount from US donors, as revealed by the latest accounts published by the Charity Commission.

The Royal Foundation, originally established in 2009 by Prince William and Prince Harry, has seen a significant increase in its financial contributions, now solely managed by William and Kate since 2019. The foundation reported an impressive income of £8 million in its recent accounts.

The notable financial growth for William and Kate’s foundation, now exceeding £8 million, includes a remarkable £6.5 million generated from donations. Notably, £1.7 million of this amount originated from US-based supporters, reflecting the continued global appeal of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The foundation’s financial success follows Prince William’s impressive fundraising achievement in 2023, where he garnered £22.5 million through The Earthshot Prize. Although The Earthshot Prize has since become a separate charity, these figures still reflect positively on William and Kate’s philanthropic endeavors.
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, have seen a decline in donations to their Archewell Foundation, which was launched in 2020 following their decision to step back from royal duties. Archewell’s donations have dropped significantly from £10.3 million to under £1.6 million, according to the latest published accounts.
Despite the setback, Harry and Meghan remain committed to their philanthropic goals. They have recently concluded a tour in Colombia, which they consider a success despite reports suggesting that some locals were unaware of the royal visit. The couple viewed the trip as fulfilling their objectives, underscoring their dedication to humanitarian efforts.
Despite stepping away from the Royal Foundation, Prince Harry still benefits financially through his half-share of the income from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Last year, this share amounted to £7,073, which was allocated to Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Harry that supports children and adolescents affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa.
The latest financial developments highlight the evolving charitable landscapes for both the Waleses and the Sussexes. As William and Kate continue to expand their fundraising efforts, Harry and Meghan are likely to seek new strategies to enhance the impact of their charitable work, particularly within the US and other global markets.
This financial contrast underscores the different approaches taken by the two royal couples in their philanthropic endeavors, reflecting their distinct roles within and outside the royal family.