Introduction

In a stunning turn of events, Sophie Chandauka, chairperson of Sentebale—a charity co-founded by Prince Harry—has accused the Duke of Sussex of instigating a “harassment and bullying” campaign aimed at forcing her out of her position. This assertion follows Harry’s recent resignation from the charity, which he helped establish nearly two decades ago to support young individuals affected by HIV and AIDS in Southern Africa.

Allegations of Harassment

In an explosive interview with Sky News, Chandauka claimed that the Duke unleashed “the Sussex (PR) machine” against her as she resisted his withdrawal from the organization. "The only reason I’m here... is because at some point on Tuesday, Prince Harry authorized the release of a damaging piece of news to the outside world without informing me," she stated, highlighting the potential fallout for both herself and the 540 individuals affiliated with Sentebale.

Impact on Fundraising

The chairperson expressed deep concern about the implications of Harry's decisions, saying, "Can you imagine what that attack has done for me and those impacted by Sentebale?” Moreover, Chandauka recounted how conflicts related to Harry’s Netflix deal had disrupted a scheduled fundraiser, illustrating the complications brought on by celebrity involvement in charity work.

Incident at Polo Fundraiser

One notable incident occurred during a polo fundraiser in Miami last year, which almost collapsed when Harry requested to bring a camera crew for a Netflix project. This change transformed the event into a commercial venture, significantly raising venue costs and forcing organizers to scramble for a new host. Chandauka emphasized the awkwardness of the gala when Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, made a surprise appearance, leading to an uncomfortable moment during the trophy presentation that sparked media speculation.

Board Tensions and Resignation

Chandauka refused Harry's insistence that she issue a public statement in support of Meghan, asserting that Sentebale should not act as an extension of the Sussex brand. According to Chandauka, the tensions intensified as Prince Harry cited conflicts between board members and presented reasons for his resignation, including her refusal to step down and her subsequent lawsuit aimed at retaining her position.

Decline in Donations

The fallout has also affected donations; Chandauka alleged that there was a notable decline in financial support after the couple stepped back from royal duties in January 2020. She warned that the “toxicity” surrounding the charity’s lead patron could pose significant risks to Sentebale’s future.

Prince Harry's Response

Prince Harry, who co-founded Sentebale with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana, stated that their joint resignation was a response to catastrophic breakdowns in governance and interpersonal relations within the organization. In a poignant message, the two princes expressed their heartbreak over the situation while affirming their ongoing commitment to the charity’s mission.

Trustees' Statement

In a joint statement, the board of trustees reflected on the taxing circumstances, calling for clarity and accountability regarding the organization's management. They recognized the critical role of trustees in governance, while also emphasizing that the charity's work must continue unabated despite these leadership tumult.

Regulatory Response

The Charity Commission in the U.K. has acknowledged the concerns surrounding the governance of Sentebale and indicated it will be assessing the situation for possible regulatory actions.

Conclusion

As this dramatic saga unfolds, many are left wondering about the implications for Sentebale and its vital work in supporting young people in Lesotho and Botswana. Will the charity be able to recover from this turmoil, or will it suffer irreparable damage? Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!