The Archewell donation comes weeks before the Netflix debut

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have contributed $50,000 (£37,000) to a Ugandan children’s dance group through their charitable organisation.

The Archewell Foundation transferred the funds to Masaka Kids Africana using the GoFundMe platform on November 12.

This substantial gift arrives shortly before the release of a documentary featuring the dance ensemble.

The film, produced by the couple’s media venture Archewell Productions, will debut on Netflix on December 9.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle give £37k to Ugandan dance group before Netflix release| GETTY

The charitable organisation, established in 2020, embodies the royal couple’s commitment to philanthropic work.

Their latest contribution supports the Ugandan performers who have gained international recognition through social media platforms.

The documentary explores the lives of children in Uganda’s Masaka district who have discovered purpose and healing through performance.

According to the film’s description, the region continues to face challenges from the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with a local orphanage serving as a sanctuary for affected youngsters.

Masaka Kids pictured in 2019, visiting Istanbul | GETTY

The production promises to reveal stories beyond the viral dance clips that brought the group fame.

It showcases how these young performers have created a unique community where they channel their difficulties into artistic expression and optimism.

Meghan shared preview content from the documentary on her Instagram story. The film aims to demonstrate how the children have built connections and discovered possibilities for their futures through their performances.

The Sussexes first encountered the dance troupe whilst viewing their popular online content with their son, Prince Archie, aged six, during the coronavirus lockdown.

Meghan and Harry’s film focuses on Masaka Kids, a group of Ugandan orphans who have become YouTube sensations | TIKTOK

A representative for Harry and Meghan revealed that the family regularly enjoyed these performances at their residence.

The couple had already become enthusiastic supporters of the Ugandan organisation before being approached about the documentary project in 2023.

Their initial exposure to Masaka Kids Africana came through the ensemble’s widely shared internet videos, which have attracted millions of viewers globally.

The dance collective comprises Ugandan youngsters, including numerous orphans, who have captured worldwide attention through their energetic performances online.

The documentary represents part of an expanded creative arrangement between the Sussexes and Netflix.

Prince Archie frequently appears on Meghan Markle’s Instagram | INSTAGRAM: @MEGHANIn August, the streaming service announced a multi-year, first-look agreement for film and television projects with Archewell Productions.

This partnership extension followed speculation about their original £77million contract’s renewal.

A Hollywood source informed GB News that Netflix has shifted towards first-look arrangements rather than comprehensive multi-project deals, similar to their revised agreement with Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company.

The film is helmed by director David Vieira Lopez alongside Oscar-nominated filmmaker Moses Bwayo.

The production involves collaboration between Campfire Studios, Wontanara Productions and Archewell Productions.