Meghan Markle Under IRS Investigation: The Collapse of Archewell and American Riviera Orchard

Introduction

On February 11, 2026, Prince William delivered a shocking statement that reverberated across the globe, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing saga surrounding Meghan Markle and her ventures since stepping back from royal duties. The British royal family has taken the unprecedented step of cooperating with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in an investigation into Markle’s Archewell Foundation. This development has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of her charitable work and the financial practices surrounding her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

The Context of the Investigation

A Fairy Tale Gone Wrong

What was once perceived as a fairy tale turned into a federal investigation, revealing how a charity could become a crime scene and a duchess a defendant. The IRS is scrutinizing Markle’s Archewell Foundation, which has reportedly amassed staggering figures, including $23 million in unsold inventory and $5.1 million in expenses, with minimal charitable output to show for it. The implications of these findings are significant, and the fallout could be catastrophic for Markle and her enterprises.

Prince William’s Bold Statement

At a press conference held at Marlborough House, Prince William did not mince words. He publicly disavowed the Archewell Foundation, stating, “Let no one mistake silence for consent.” His declaration was clear: the royal family does not endorse, finance, or associate itself with Markle’s foundation or its subsidiaries. This marked a dramatic shift in the royal family’s approach to Markle’s activities, signaling a constitutional intervention rather than mere family drama.

The Trigger for the Investigation

IRS Inquiry Begins

The IRS’s involvement began on February 9, 2026, when they sent a formal request to the royal household and HM Treasury, seeking answers to three critical questions:

Had any British royal entity ever financially or symbolically endorsed Archewell?
Had any royal title or insignia been used in U.S.-based commercial ventures without permission?
Was there intentional misrepresentation of royal support in U.S. tax and fundraising materials?

The investigation was prompted by Markle’s remarks at the 2023 Aspen Impact Forum, where she implied that Archewell represented royal values instilled by the crown. Regulators flagged this statement as potentially misleading, suggesting that Markle was attempting to leverage her royal connection to gain credibility for her foundation.

The Smoking Gun

Markle’s assertion that Archewell embodied a legacy of service linked to the crown raised alarms among U.S. regulators. The implication that the foundation had royal endorsement was a significant misrepresentation, and the palace had reportedly warned her about this for years. Furthermore, Markle launched her luxury brand, American Riviera Orchard, in 2024, using royal imagery and language that closely mimicked official royal branding, further blurring the lines between her commercial ventures and her royal identity.

The Palace’s Response

Swift Action

Within 48 hours of receiving the IRS inquiry, the palace mobilized a high-level digital summit between the IRS’s International Tax Crimes Unit and senior legal and financial officers from the royal household. This meeting, held on February 14, revealed extensive documentation proving that no royal funds had ever been allocated to Archewell. The palace presented official records showing internal warnings sent to Markle regarding unauthorized use of royal imagery in her brand’s packaging.

William’s Firm Stance

During a subsequent in-person summit on February 16, Prince William personally engaged with IRS officials, articulating the royal family’s position with clarity and firmness. He emphasized that the royal family cannot be reduced to a marketing motif and that they are stewards of a constitutional legacy, not participants in a narrative crafted for private profit. This statement underscored the royal family’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of their institution.

The Financial Picture of Archewell

Troubling Financial Discrepancies

The IRS audit documents revealed a troubling financial imbalance within Archewell. In 2024, the foundation reported total donations of $2.1 million—down from $13 million in 2021—while expenses soared to $5.1 million. Charitable grants amounted to only $1.25 million, with salaries for just two employees totaling $913,000. This meant that over 75% of Archewell’s budget was allocated to overhead rather than philanthropic activities.

The Launch of American Riviera Orchard

In 2024, Markle launched American Riviera Orchard, a lifestyle brand that featured products such as fruit preserves, candles, and herbal teas, all adorned with royal-inspired packaging. Initial reports claimed that the products sold out quickly, but forensic investigations revealed over $23 million worth of unsold inventory sitting in warehouses. The discrepancy between reported sales and actual inventory levels raised serious questions about the brand’s legitimacy and marketing tactics.

The Shift to Fiscal Sponsorship

A Suspicious Transition

In June 2025, Archewell transitioned to a fiscal sponsorship model, placing it under the umbrella of another nonprofit organization. While this move is legal, it raised eyebrows due to its timing—just weeks after media scrutiny began questioning Archewell’s financial practices. This restructuring effectively shielded Archewell from public financial scrutiny, allowing it to operate without filing its own detailed IRS disclosures.

The Palace’s Urgent Need for Disassociation

As concerns about Archewell’s financial practices grew, the royal family’s need to distance itself became urgent. William’s public statement served not only to clarify the palace’s position but also to insulate it from what regulators referred to as a “strategic collapse” of donor and consumer trust. The palace’s proactive approach demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability, distinguishing itself from Markle’s practices.

Legal Consequences and Investigations

IRS Investigation Escalates

Following the revelations regarding Archewell and American Riviera Orchard, the IRS escalated its investigation to a formal fraud review. This investigation centers on two key issues: unauthorized use of royal titles for commercial gain and deliberate misrepresentation aimed at misleading donors and consumers.

Cease and Desist Orders

In response to the findings, the Royal Trust’s legal office issued a cease and desist order to Evermark Collective, the parent company of Markle’s lifestyle brand. The order cited specific violations related to the unauthorized use of royal imagery and language in promotional materials. Simultaneously, the royal household’s legal team disavowed any association with Archewell, clarifying that no royal endorsement had ever been granted.

The Future of Archewell and American Riviera Orchard

Potential Consequences

The ongoing investigations pose significant risks for Markle and her ventures. If prosecuted, she could face civil forfeiture of misused charitable funds, revocation of Archewell’s nonprofit status, and public disclosure of internal communications. The California Attorney General’s office has also reopened a dormant compliance inquiry, citing new evidence suggesting false claims in state-level filings.

The Impact on Markle’s Brand

American Riviera Orchard’s commercial future looks bleak as major retailers suspend distribution agreements and warehouse operators refuse to store inventory due to non-payment concerns. The brand’s failure to generate sales has led to speculation about its viability, with experts suggesting that it may no longer be a going concern.

The Windsor Model of Governance

A New Approach to Royal Governance

In the wake of these developments, the royal family has adopted what is being termed the “Windsor model” for modern governance. This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining institutional integrity and protecting the monarchy from reputational harm. Legal advisers are drafting policies to regulate title usage and prevent symbolic exploitation in commerce.

The Role of Prince William

Prince William’s actions have reinforced the monarchy’s commitment to ethical governance. His public statements and engagement with the IRS reflect a determination to protect the crown’s reputation and ensure that royal titles are not used for personal gain. The palace’s revised communication code now mandates disclaimers for non-working royals, ensuring that any references to royal titles are properly vetted.

Conclusion

As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Meghan Markle, Archewell, and American Riviera Orchard are profound. The fairy tale of her post-royal life has taken a dark turn, revealing a narrative of financial mismanagement, misleading marketing, and potential legal consequences. The royal family’s decisive actions signal a commitment to upholding the integrity of the monarchy and protecting its legacy from exploitation.

The unfolding saga serves as a stark reminder that the crown is not for sale, and no one, not even a duchess, is above its duty. As the legal proceedings continue and the title review progresses, the world watches closely, awaiting the next chapter in this dramatic story of power, privilege, and accountability.