In a surprising move, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have discreetly auctioned off the opportunity to dine with them, with tickets reportedly fetching around $100,000 (£75,000) per plate. This initiative, facilitated through the fundraising platform CharityBuzz, aims to generate funds for their charitable organization, Archewell Foundation.
The revelation comes as Archewell, which has traditionally relied on anonymous wealthy donors, seeks innovative ways to support its philanthropic endeavors. A spokesperson for Archewell confirmed the partnership with CharityBuzz, stating, “We have partnered with numerous fundraising partners over the years and CharityBuzz has been one of them.”
CharityBuzz and High-Profile Fundraising
CharityBuzz, known for its high-profile charity events, has raised an impressive $650 million (£485 million) since its inception 20 years ago. The platform has previously collaborated with celebrities like George Clooney, Beyoncé, and Sir Paul McCartney to support various causes.
The auction for a dinner with the Sussexes was reportedly not advertised on the CharityBuzz website, suggesting it may have been offered privately to select high-net-worth individuals. A source familiar with the arrangement noted, “People will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to have dinner with them.”
Ethical Considerations and Royal Protocol
While the auction raises significant funds for charity, it also touches on the sensitive issue of “paying for access” to members of the Royal Family. Historically, such practices have been frowned upon, as evidenced by past controversies involving other royals. However, since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan are no longer bound by the same protocols, allowing them greater freedom in their fundraising efforts.
Archewell Foundation’s Future Plans
Meanwhile, changes are reportedly underway at the Archewell Foundation, with sources indicating a potential restructuring of staff. The spokesperson commented, “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 activities. In the previous year, the foundation donated £1,026,240 to various causes, supported by grants totaling £4,183,892. A significant portion of this funding came from Fidelity Charitable, a U.S.-based fund, alongside contributions from five anonymous donors.
Implications and Broader Context
The decision to auction a dinner with Harry and Meghan highlights the evolving landscape of celebrity philanthropy, where high-profile figures leverage their status to support charitable causes. This approach, while unconventional, underscores the challenges and opportunities faced by modern charities in securing funding.
As the Archewell Foundation continues to evolve, its innovative fundraising strategies may set a precedent for other organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of contemporary philanthropy. The Sussexes’ ability to attract significant donations through their global appeal could inspire similar initiatives among other celebrity-led charities.
Looking ahead, the success of this auction and the forthcoming changes at Archewell will be closely watched by both supporters and critics, as the foundation seeks to redefine its role in the philanthropic sector.
