'Worst possible timing': Prince Harry and Meghan Markle slammed for new foundation

Shortly after announcing their new not-for-profit foundation called Archewall, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been slammed due to the timing of the announcement.

In a statement to the UK Daily Telegraph, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed the Greek word Arche, meaning source of action, was also the inspiration behind their son’s name - Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.

Archewell would replace their Sussex Royal brand after being told by the Queen they couldn't use the word 'royal'.

“We connected to this concept for the charitable organisation we hoped to build one day, and it became the inspiration for our son’s name. To do something of meaning, to do something that matter,” the statement said.

“Archewell is a name that combines an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon. We look forward to launching Archewell when the time is right.”

Despite the fact the couple said they would share more details "when the time is right" due to the coronavirus pandemic, royal watchers have slammed the pair.

“Like you, our focus is on supporting efforts to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic but faced with this information coming to light, we felt compelled to share the story of how this came to be,” Harry and Meghan said in a statement.

Royal biographer Phil Dampier slammed the announcement, telling the Daily Mail it's "appalling timing" with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson being moved to intensive care with coronavirus.

"It’s appalling timing, I would say. It was the worst possible timing," said Dampier.

"If I were Harry and Meghan I would have laid low until this situation [coronavirus] was over.

"People everywhere are really concerned with dealing with this and it does not look good, however good the cause is."

Twitter users have taken the social media site to slam the pair, with one person writing, "Good timing guys! Just in case you haven’t noticed there is a massive world crisis out there. Me me me comes to mind."

Someone else added, "People dying in vast numbers, all over the World and Megan/Harry, hard at work, promoting themselves. It just isn't right!"

Another said, "The world is reeling with Coronavirus, Boris Johnson is fighting for his life, and all these two can do is launch their website. Who actually gives a ... what they do. It just shows how self centred they are. The best thing they can do is shut up permanently."

However, some fans have shared their excitement for the couple, one person wrote, "Absolutely perfect, I love the name and its deep meaning."

Someone else said, "I love it! I know they'll continue to do good work."

Another fan added, "Can’t wait for everything to roll out love them."

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.