In a surprising move, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have quietly auctioned off the opportunity to dine with them, with bids reportedly reaching $100,000 per plate. This exclusive event is part of their efforts to raise funds for their charity, Archewell, through the platform CharityBuzz.
The strategy marks a shift from Archewell’s previous reliance on anonymous wealthy donors, which has been instrumental in their ability to grant funds to selected causes. A spokesperson for Archewell confirmed, “We have partnered with numerous fundraising partners over the years and CharityBuzz has been one of them.”
CharityBuzz: A Proven Fundraising Partner
CharityBuzz, a well-established fundraising platform, has raised an impressive $650 million for various charities over its 20-year history. The platform has hosted events with high-profile celebrities like George Clooney, Beyoncé, and Sir Paul McCartney, making it a fitting choice for the Sussexes’ latest fundraising endeavor.
A source revealed that Archewell utilized CharityBuzz to support a fundraising dinner on World Mental Health Day. The event underscores the couple’s ongoing commitment to mental health causes, a central focus of their philanthropic work.
Royal Protocols and The Sussexes’ New Path
Traditionally, paying for access to a working member of the Royal Family is considered inappropriate. This was highlighted by past controversies, such as Sarah Ferguson’s offer to provide access to Prince Andrew for financial gain. However, since stepping back from their royal duties in what has been dubbed “Megxit,” Harry and Meghan have been free to explore new fundraising avenues without the constraints of royal protocols.
The auctioned dinner was not publicly advertised on CharityBuzz’s website, suggesting it may have been a private offer extended to ‘high rollers’ familiar with such exclusive opportunities. A source noted, “People will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to have dinner with them.”
Archewell Foundation: A New Chapter
Amid these fundraising efforts, changes are reportedly underway at the Archewell Foundation. Sources indicate a possible restructuring of staff, with a spokesperson commenting, “Yes, we are making some Archewell changes, and we’ll be sharing exciting developments regarding how we will deliver our philanthropic work moving forward, when we choose to. We look forward to communicating more in due course.”
Founded in 2020, the Archewell Foundation has become the cornerstone of the Sussexes’ charitable initiatives. Last year, the foundation donated over £1 million to various causes, supported by significant grants, including a major contribution from Fidelity Charitable.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Archewell
As the Archewell Foundation continues to evolve, the Sussexes’ innovative fundraising approaches highlight their dedication to making a tangible impact. By leveraging their celebrity status and connections, they aim to continue supporting mental health and other critical issues.
With the success of their recent fundraising dinner, it remains to be seen how Harry and Meghan will further engage with their supporters and expand their philanthropic reach. As they navigate this new chapter, their efforts will likely continue to attract attention and possibly set new precedents for celebrity-driven charity work.
