Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's $250K donation to Ashley Biden's wellness center sparks scrutiny
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s charitable foundation, Archewell, has come under fire after it was revealed that the organization made a $250,000 donation to Women’s Wellness (Spa)ce, spearheaded by former President Joe Biden's daughter, Ashley Biden.
The contribution to the trauma-informed wellness center, listed in Archewell’s 2023-2024 impact report, has raised concerns among political analysts and critics regarding its timing and implications.
Scrutiny over the Sussexes’ political influence in the US
Nile Gardiner, Director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the Heritage Foundation, has called for “significant scrutiny” of the donation, questioning whether the funds were part of a broader strategy to forge closer ties with the Biden family, according to Daily Mail.
The controversy surrounding the donation is compounded by previous reports that Meghan and Harry sought to align themselves with influential figures in American politics.
According to sources, the couple attempted to secure a ride on Air Force One after Queen Elizabeth II ’s funeral in 2022, but their request was denied by the White House.
Similarly, their invitation to former First Lady Jill Biden to attend the Invictus Games was declined, reportedly to avoid straining relations with the British royal family.
Speculation over Meghan’s political aspirations has long persisted, with some reports suggesting she has considered running for US office.
A previous poll indicated that she was tied to with former Vice President Kamala Harris for Democratic support in a hypothetical election scenario.
Meghan has also been active in lobbying for social causes, personally reaching out to lawmakers on Capitol Hill regarding paid leave policies.
Concerns over Archewell's transparency and accountability
Critics argue that there needs to be “full transparency and oversight” regarding Archewell’s funding decisions.
Gardiner expressed concerns not only over the donation to Ashley Biden’s center but also about Archewell’s involvement in a $500 million initiative called Press Forward, which funds media organizations across the US.
“The public deserves to know whether these charitable contributions are being used as a means of gaining political favor or influence,” Gardiner said.
Archewell’s claims of shared interest in mental health advocacy
Despite mounting criticism, sources close to Archewell have dismissed the allegations, asserting that the donation aligns with Meghan Markle's longstanding commitment to mental health and wellness.
According to People, the wellness space is meant to support formerly incarcerated women who have experienced trauma, offering therapeutic interventions and community support.
A spokesperson close to the foundation refuted claims that the Sussexes were attempting to gain favor with the Bidens, calling the notion “flawed” and emphasizing that the donation was driven by shared philanthropic goals.
