MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry raised less than £37,000 for their Archewell charity in its first year, filings appear to show.
The Sussexes set up the non-profit foundation in 2020 after stepping down as senior royals, but according to their lawyers they failed to even set up a bank account for the charity until January 2021.
And filings to the IRS in the US obtained by the Mail show Archewell received its first deposit the following month.
But Harry and Meghan's charity this month reportedly told the IRS its gross receipts for the 12 months to June 2021 amounted to less than $50k (£37k).
But sources close to the Sussexes last year told the Telegraph they planned to properly launch Archewell "when the time is right" after the Covid pandemic.
Read our Meghan Markle live blog for the latest news and gossip
- Milica Cosic
Andrew's attorney's argument
Prince Andrew's attorney, Andrew Brettler, yesterday argued that:
- PRINCE Andrew was covered by the “other potential defendants” clause in the settlement;
- GIUFFRE’S lawsuit against lawyer Alan Dershowitz was dismissed when the agreement was produced;
- HER claims were too “vague”, adding: “She doesn’t allege what this abuse was”. He called the way she filed them “unconstitutional”;
- FORMER New York governor Andrew Cuomo acted unconstitutionally when he extended the Child Victims Act deadline to August 2020. It allowed Ms Giuffre to file her lawsuit. Otherwise, her claims would have fallen outside New York’s statute of limitations.
Prince Andrew 'weaselling' his way out
PRINCE Andrew attempted to weasel his way out of his bombshell sex assault lawsuit through at least four technicalities, a court heard yesterday.
The royal’s attack-dog attorney Andrew Brettler was unleashed in a hearing against the duke’s accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre.
But Mr Brettler was met with scepticism at almost every turn as he made his arguments, with Judge Lewis Kaplan telling him at one point: “That’s not a dog that’s going to hunt here.”
Mr Brettler argued that a newly-disclosed £371,000 secret agreement between Ms Giuffre and late financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2009 released the royal from any legal action.
And he said the settlement had resulted in a similar lawsuit from Andrew’s accuser being dismissed.
Judge Kaplan said last night that he would rule on the future of the lawsuit “pretty soon”.
Explained: Who was the lawyer representing Prince Andrew?
The Duke of York’s attorney Andrew Brettler presented his motion in court in New York yesterday to dismiss Virginia Giuffre’s sex assault civil lawsuit.
Mr Brettler is a notable Hollywood lawyer and senior partner with Lavely & Singer, who has previously represented several celebrities accused of sexual assault.
These include actor Armie Hammer, and singer-songwriter Ryan Adams.
- Milica Cosic
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘raised less than $50k for Archewell charity in first year’
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry raised less than $50,000 for their Archewell charity in its first year, filings reveal.
The Sussexes set up the non-profit foundation in 2020 after stepping down as senior royals, but according to their lawyers a bank account for the charity was not opened until January 2021.
And filings to the IRS in the US obtained by the Mail show Archewell received its first deposit the following month.
Harry and Meghan‘s charity this month told the IRS its gross receipts for 2020 amounted to less than $50,000 (£37,000), the outlet reports.
But sources close to the Sussexes last year told the Telegraph they would properly launch Archewell “when the time is right” due to the Covid pandemic.
- Milica Cosic
Royal with most expensive dress of 2021
One Royal had a very impressive outfit design that was the most expensive piece worn in 2021.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were pictured at the Intrepid Museum for the Salute to Freedom Gala in New York City back in November 2021.
The Duchess of Sussex wore a long red satin gown by Venezuelan fashion designer Carolina Herrera and matching heels.
The impressive red dress has been named the most expensive piece worn by a royal that year, and set her back about of $5,990 – about £4,444.
This makes it the most expensive dress that a royal premiered in 2021.
- Milica Cosic
Kate taken ‘on the advice of Prince Charles’
A royal author has claimed that Kate Middleton has taken on a piece of advice by Prince Charles – growing to become a confident member of the Royal Family.
Speaking to the Mirror, Ingrid Seward said: “Today there is definitely confidence and poise there.
“She has learnt to overcome her shyness.”
Ingrid has said that The Duchess of Cambridge followed the advice of Prince Charles over easing into her royal role, saying: “She has taken it gently, she didn’t go headlong into everything.
“On the advice of Prince Charles, you don’t have to rush into taking on hundreds of charities, you can take your time and enjoy your family, and I believe having her family has helped her gain confidence.”
- Milica Cosic
Prince Harry ‘wants to be included in Platinum Jubilee’
Prince Harry reportedly wants to be included in next year’s four-day bonanza for the Queen, with plans being released by Buckingham Palace in the coming months.
And it seems Harry, 37, wants to be in attendance to celebrate the momentous occasion with his grandmother.
Harry and Meghan, 40, have officially stepped down as working royals and been stripped of their royal patronages and military titles.
However, they have indicated they want to return for family occasions.
The Palace confirmed that Brits will be given a four-day Bank Holiday weekend so they can celebrate the Queen’s 70th year on the throne next June.
- Milica Cosic
Princess Anne to kick off royal engagements
A royal expert has said that Princess Anne may be the first member of the Firm to return to work following the Christmas break.
A royal blogger has noted that an event attended yearly by Princess Anne, the Oxford Farming Conference, is taking place this week, between January 5 and 7.
- Milica Cosic
Prince George loves one TV show so much
One children's TV show made a special episode just for Prince George as he is such a big fan of it.
Speaking on BBC Radio One Kate Middleton confirmed George loves Fireman Sam.
She said: “Fireman Sam has taken an awful lot of interest.”
As a result, the creators decided to create a special episode dedicated to George.
In 2018 for the show’s 30th anniversary special they gave George and his Dad a cameo and named the episode The Prince in Pontypandy.
- Milica Cosic
Kate at her best
The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, is said to have a "tough job" switching from being "less formal" when she does her solo appearances, to "putting Prince William first" when together as a royal couple.
Jon Briggs said: “From what I have seen, Kate is less formal when she is on her own.
“As a consort to William she is used to putting him first – but actually she uses more empathy and prosody (light and shade) in her voice than William does.
“Being the number two in a relationship or even a conversation – knowing that all eyes tend to be on the number one (William in this instance) is a tough job, you learn your place and that you're not really the important one here.
“Kate holds her own but is best when not in vision with William at the same time.
“It clearly frees her up to express her own opinions more."
- Milica Cosic
Harry ‘very happy’ after Megxit
Ingrid Seward, Majesty magazine’s editor-in-chief, claims that Prince Harry is “very happy” with his and Meghan’s life two years after Megxit.
The editor told the Mirror: “I am hearing that, despite it all, Harry is very happy with his lot.
“He has managed to break away from the ‘toxic’ royal life, which is what his mother always wanted to do but was never able to.”
- Milica Cosic
The island at the centre of many of the allegations
Little Saint James is the centre of many of the allegations against Epstein and Maxwell
The island is believed to be where much of his sexual abuse was committed and where he allegedly entertained powerful friends such as Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew.
Victims have claimed to have witnessed sex taking place openly on the island, such as Maxwell having “girl on girl” orgies by the pool.
Andrew strongly denies any allegations against him and said he had no knowledge of any wrongdoing while friends with Maxwell and Epstein.
Clinton has also denied he ever spent time on the island – blasting claims in 2020 as “lies” as they resurfaced in Netflix docuseries Filthy Rich.
FBI agents raided the island in 2019 as they built a case against the billionaire sex trafficker – and the island is believed to still be owned by Epstein’s estate.
Epstein victim Chauntae Davies – who visited the island – claims Epstein used his relationship with the Duke of York to lure young girls.
- Milica Cosic
Prince Charles sends cryptic message to Prince Harry
In a letter, Prince Charles mentioned Harry and Prince William that he wrote to urge older generations to take meaningful action to tackle the climate crisis.
Writing for Newsweek, he said: "As a father, I am proud that my sons have recognised this threat.
"Most recently, my elder son, William, launched the prestigious Earthshot Prize to incentivise change and help repair our planet over the next ten years by identifying and investing in the technologies that can make a difference.
"And my younger son, Harry, has passionately highlighted the impact of climate change, especially in relation to Africa, and committed his charity to being net zero."
- Milica Cosic
Three key allegations Prince Andrew accuser Virginia Roberts will make
THESE are the three allegations Prince Andrew accuser Virginia Roberts is expected to make against the under-fire royal as he faces rape charges.
- London – Giuffre claims Andrew sexually abused her in a London flat in 2001.
- New York – Giuffre alleges the prince had sex with her again in Epstein's New York mansion and claims Andrew knew her age and that she was a sex-trafficking victim, court documents show.
- Little St James, US Virgin Islands – The sexual abuse survivor claims Andrew had sex with her for a third time on Esptein's private island of Little St James – dubbed "paedo Island" – in the US Virgin Islands.
Little Saint James is the centre of many of the allegations against Epstein and Maxwell
Read the article in full here.
'Andrew is going to have a hard time'
Spencer Kuvin, who represents victims of paedo Epstein, said: “Andrew is going to have a hard time on this — it is not clear-cut for his lawyers at all. I think he is going to still have to sweat on this lawsuit for a while. That is, if he can.”
Virginia, 38, claims Andrew, 61, sexually assaulted her three times when she was 17.
He denies it and cannot remember meeting her, although they were photographed together.
- Milica Cosic
Expert slams Andrew probe
A royal photographer has slammed that the Duke of York's ongoing legal battle could steal the spotlight from the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Royal photographer Charles Rae told GB News: "Of course, it's going to overshadow the celebrations.
"This is a monumental year for Her Majesty, 70 years on the throne.
"And surely, she's been through enough over the last 12 months, for God's sake."
Charles also claimed: "This question is always going to be in the background and if the court case goes ahead, it will not happen until the autumn.
"So it will be hanging over the Royal Family and the Jubilee celebrations throughout."
- Milica Cosic
Queen's unusual way of doing her Xmas shopping
Despite Christmas now being well and truly over, former Royal Butler Paul Burrell, who worked for the Queen and Princess Diana, has revealed the Queen's unique approach to Christmas shopping.
He said: “There is a little ‘shop’ set up in the drawing room at Windsor Castle and the Queen can pop in and choose gifts at her leisure.
“Late at night, after dinner, usually around 10pm, she’ll pop into her little Christmas shop and do some shopping.”
He continued: "The Queen always chooses practical gifts that can be used – never ornaments or decorative things.
"So, she might pick some picnic plates, a tablecloth, or a couple of hand towels.”
- Milica Cosic
Some Royal news you may have missed
- Ghislaine Maxwell demands dead paedo pal Epstein cover £5million court costs after being found guilty of sex trafficking
- Ghislaine Maxwell will NOT name names or cut deal to reduce 65-year jail term for sex trafficking, her brother says
- Prince Andrew rocked by claims he could be stripped of his Duke of York title if he loses sex abuse lawsuit
- The Queen’s New Year photo convinced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle that royals were ‘against them’, royal author claims
- Meghan Markle will ‘create shockwaves’ that will ‘jangle the royal family’ in 2022 says Princess Diana’s astrologer
Andrew will not be ‘anywhere near’ public celebrations
Royal expert Russell Myers claimed Andrew will not be “anywhere near” public celebrations for the Queen’s jubilee next year and will be “banished” from any outings.
He told the podcast Pod Save the Queen there will “obviously a lot of nervousness within Palace walls how this could potentially overshadow the celebration,” adding: “Certainly, I don’t think Andrew will be anywhere near the public celebrations, banished from the balcony, banished from any public outing.”
It comes as high-powered lawyers for the duke and Ms Giuffre, 38, will go head-to-head at a video conference hearing in New York on Tuesday to decide the future of her lawsuit.
Will we see Harry and Meghan at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee?
A royal expert has claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are keeping their schedules free for the Queen’s invite to her Platinum Jubilee celebrations later this year.
Royal commentator Neil Sean said on his YouTube channel: “According to very good sources and palace courtiers, they tell me that they’ve received word get this from Harry and Meghan that they are going to keep their diaries free should, of course, they be called upon now.”
Family firmly believe 'in our sister’s innocence'
Following Maxwell's conviction, her family revealed they had already launched an appeal.
Maxwell's sister Isabel and brother Kevin attended court while sibling Ian slammed the prosecution's case and the Brit's treatment in custody.
In a statement released after the verdict, they said: "We believe firmly in our sister’s innocence – we are very disappointed with the verdict.
"We have already started the appeal tonight and we believe that she will ultimately be vindicated."
Meanwhile, her brother Ian said that Maxwell will not name names or cut a deal to reduce her 65-year jail term.
He told the Sunday Times: "Prosecution confirmed no plea bargain offers were made or received [before the trial].
"I expect that position to be maintained."
- Milica Cosic
Queen to be honoured during Jubilee
While unveiling plans for Australia's Jubilee celebrations, the country's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Queen will be honoured with a tribute he deems "fitting".
He said on New Year's Day: "Aspen Island in Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, the home of the National Carillon, will be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Island during a special event in June 2022.
"Given the National Carillon was officially opened by Her Majesty in 1970, it is only fitting that Aspen Island should be renamed in recognition of her many years of service to Australia.
"This ceremony will also include dedicating the new Queen Elizabeth Water Gardens, which will transform the nearby foreshore as well as improve water quality."
- Joseph Gamp
Why is Virginia Robert suing Andrew?
Ms Giuffre is suing the Queen's son for allegedly sexually assaulting her when she was a teenager. She is seeking unspecified damages, but there is speculation the sum could be millions of dollars.
She claims she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with Andrew when she was aged 17 and a minor under US law.
Andrew has denied all the allegations.
- Joseph Gamp
'Harry requested to be involved in Platinum Jubilee'
It was claimed last year that Harry has specifically requested to be involved in the celebration.
An insider said: “Harry wants to be there. It is already causing a headache and is going to be very awkward.
“Where will they be positioned if they turn up? What events can they attend?
“Will we put them on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the flypast?
“This is a celebration for the Queen’s 70 years of service to the nation and should not be overshadowed.
“There are now so many questions about what to do with Harry and Meghan.”
- Joseph Gamp
Keeping diaries free (coninued…)
Meghan hasn't flown back to the UK since Megxit. She was pregnant when the service for Prince Philip took place, and decided not to return on the advice of her doctors.
The Queen has also not yet had the chance to meet great-granddaughter Lilibet, who was named after her. The tot was born last June.
However, despite the couple's now-notorious interview with Oprah Winfrey last March – during which they claimed a member of the family had made a racist remark – Mr Sean said they may still get an invitation this year.
“What I’m suspecting is there will be some kind of banquet, perhaps low-key, that they possibly could get invited to," he said.
"What we do know, however, is their diaries are remaining free.”
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