Meghan Faces Lawsuit as Princess Anne Launches Archewell Investigation, Divorce Confirmed!

In a stunning turn of events on January 29, 2026, Princess Anne issued a statement that reverberated through the British press and diplomatic circles alike.

The message was clear and unequivocal: no private foundation established after stepping away from royal duties is permitted to exploit the authority, symbols, or privileges associated with the crown.

This statement was quickly confirmed by Buckingham Palace, setting the stage for a significant investigation into the activities of the Archewell Foundation, founded by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The investigation, authorized by both Princess Anne and Prince William, aimed to scrutinize the financial practices of Archewell, its branding, and the couple’s recent international engagements, particularly their controversial January trip to Nigeria.

Within hours of the announcement, it became apparent that Archewell had been classified as non-compliant, effectively barring it from fundraising or charitable activities due to overdue financial filings and a failure to pay necessary renewal fees since February 2023.

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The financial troubles of Archewell were alarming.

Charity Watch’s tax records revealed a staggering $11 million drop in donations from the previous year, coinciding with an increase in operational expenses attributed to the couple’s lavish international tours.

Princess Anne highlighted troubling financial data from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which indicated that Archewell faced unprecedented financial penalties in 2024, while donations and grants sharply declined.

Expenses ballooned to $5.1 million, up from $3.3 million in 2023, while total donations plummeted to a mere $2.1 million, down from $5.7 million in the previous year.

The discrepancies raised serious questions about the legitimacy of Harry and Meghan’s operations.

Despite being unpaid leaders of Archewell, they had declared in official filings that they only devoted an average of one hour per week to foundation business.

Princess Anne's stern warning to Meghan Markle | New Idea

This limited involvement led many to question whether their extensive international tours, which included royal-style treatment, were justified.

Anne’s inquiry aimed to clarify whether the couple had blurred the lines between private philanthropy and royal representation after formally stepping down from their royal duties in 2020.

As the investigation unfolded, it became evident that Harry and Meghan’s actions had created significant public confusion regarding their status as representatives of the royal family.

Palace officials were particularly concerned about the implications of their Nigeria visit, which had been facilitated under diplomatic grade treatment typically reserved for working royals, despite Archewell being barred from fundraising activities.

The palace’s stance was clear: the crown does not float on private ventures, and any confusion must be addressed.

Public sentiment began to shift rapidly as the news broke.

Princess Anne Felt Meghan Markle Wouldn't Last As A British Royal - The Royal Observer

Polling commissioned by two British newspapers indicated that approval ratings for the Sussexes had dropped to a mere 22%, while Princess Anne’s approval rating soared to 68%.

The narrative surrounding the couple’s activities transformed from one of celebrity gossip to a broader discussion of royal duty versus personal branding.

In a rare public address, Princess Anne emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency within the monarchy.

She confirmed that the royal household had concluded a comprehensive investigation into the financial and ethical implications surrounding Archewell and its operations.

The findings indicated material overlaps between funds raised under royal titles and their use in ventures not aligned with public service.

The implications of her words were clear: Harry and Meghan were being accused of misusing their royal identity for personal gain.

Princess Anne Felt Meghan Markle Wouldn't Last As A British Royal - The Royal Observer

The fallout from Anne’s statement was swift.

In response, Meghan Markle appeared via Zoom at a women’s leadership panel, where she refrained from addressing the accusations directly but positioned herself as a victim of outdated structures.

Her tone was defensive, and while her supporters praised her composure, analysts noted her calculated omissions regarding the Nigeria trip and Archewell’s finances.

As the investigation progressed, it became evident that the palace was taking a proactive stance to safeguard its reputation.

Prince William convened a special session of the Royal Foundation Council, introducing the “Transparency Charter,” which outlined new standards for royal engagement in charitable work.

The charter aimed to close loopholes exploited by figures like Harry and Meghan, ensuring clarity of roles and financial accountability in all royal-related initiatives.

Princess Anne issued tough and 'no-nonsense' advice to Meghan Markle: 'Do the duty'

The Sussexes faced mounting pressure as public opinion shifted against them.

A survey revealed that 73% of UK respondents believed they should no longer use royal titles in any capacity, while 81% supported William’s transparency measures.

The couple’s net favorability rating in the UK fell sharply, and their connection to the royal family appeared to be unraveling.

As the deadline for compliance with the palace’s demands approached, silence enveloped Harry and Meghan.

The absence of a response or an audit from Archewell only fueled speculation about their future.

In a decisive move, Buckingham Palace updated its official website, formally revoking the Sussexes’ authorization to engage in any activities under royal titles.

Princess Anne: Meghan Markle was never going to last as a royal

This action marked the end of an era for Harry and Meghan, stripping them of the last vestiges of royal privilege and identity.

The public’s response was overwhelmingly supportive of the royal family’s actions, with a significant majority believing that the monarchy had handled the situation with dignity and necessary firmness.

As the Sussexes grappled with the reality of their diminished status, Princess Anne, William, and Catherine began to rebuild the monarchy’s image, emphasizing the importance of service, transparency, and accountability.

In the aftermath of this unprecedented investigation, the monarchy emerged stronger and more resolute, ready to reclaim its narrative and redefine its role in the modern world.

The final act was not a courtroom drama but a quiet severance from the royal brand, signaling a new chapter for both the royal family and the Sussexes, one that would be defined by clarity and purpose.