Archewell
The philanthropic and media operation founded in 2020 — what the foundation does, what the deals produced, and what the public record shows.
Founding
Archewell was founded in 2020 by Harry and Meghan after the step-back. The name derives from the Greek arche (source of action) — the same root as their son Archie’s name, by their account. It comprises:
- The Archewell Foundation — the nonprofit philanthropic arm (US 501(c)(3)).
- Archewell Productions — the media production company.
- Archewell Audio — the podcast production arm (2019-formula: December 2020 – June 2023).
The Foundation’s stated mission is to “show up, do good” — supporting communities through non-profit partnerships in areas including mental health, online safety, and disaster relief. Its programmes and grant-making are published in its own reports and tax filings.
The Netflix deal (September 2020)
In September 2020, Archewell Productions signed a multi-year production deal with Netflix (terms undisclosed — reported figures in the press are unattributed and this site does not repeat them). Output to date includes:
- Harry & Meghan (docuseries, December 2022) — the couple’s account of their courtship, wedding, and step-back; covered as their account.
- Heart of Invictus (docuseries, August 2023) — following competitors at the Invictus Games; a co-production with the Invictus Games Foundation.
- Polo (docuseries, December 2024) — on the sport of polo.
The Spotify deal (December 2020 – June 2023)
Archewell Audio signed a podcast deal with Spotify in December 2020. Its output was the Archetypes series hosted by Meghan (2022). In June 2023 Spotify and Archewell announced by mutual agreement that the partnership would end — the joint statement is the public record; press characterizations of the split are not repeated here.
Sussex.com (2024)
In February 2024 the couple launched Sussex.com, consolidating their web presence under their dukedom. The launch drew press commentary about the use of royal titles in a commercial context — reported, not adjudicated here. The site presents Archewell’s work and the couple’s biographies.
Programmes (documented)
The Archewell Foundation’s published work includes:
- The Parents’ Network — support for families affected by online harms.
- Partnerships on vaccine equity and disaster relief (published in Foundation reports).
- Grants and partnerships disclosed in the Foundation’s US tax filings (Form 990), which are public records.
This site cites the Foundation’s own published materials and its filings; press estimates of the couple’s wealth or deal values are excluded as unattributed.
Source notes
- Founding and mission: Archewell’s published materials. Deals: the companies’ joint announcements (Netflix, September 2020; Spotify, December 2020 and June 2023). Output: Netflix’s published catalogues. Foundation finances: US Form 990 filings (public record). Sussex.com: the site’s own launch materials; commentary cited as reported.