Introduction

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Prince Harry has been accused of bullying and harassment by Sophie Chandauka, the chair of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006 to honor his late mother, Princess Diana. This shocking feud reached new heights after Chandauka claimed Harry's recent resignation as the charity's patron was a calculated move intended to undermine both her leadership and the organization itself.

Chandauka's Distress

In an interview with Sky News, Chandauka expressed her distress over the situation: "Can you imagine what that attack has done for me, on me, and the 540 individuals in the Sentebale organizations and their families? That is an example of harassment and bullying at scale." Her comments come in the wake of Harry abruptly stepping down along with co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, citing an irreparable breakdown in relationships within the board of trustees.

Board Member Departures

The departure of five of the nine board members, who had previously lost "trust and confidence" in Chandauka's leadership, has compounded internal strife, leading to a crisis that now involves legal proceedings in an English court and scrutiny from the Charity Commission, which oversees charities in England and Wales.

Sentebale's Mission at Stake

Sentebale has long been dedicated to supporting young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and has expanded its mission to address issues like substance abuse and gender-based violence. However, as disputes surfaced, the charity's mission and employees’ morale have been jeopardized.

Chandauka's Background

Chandauka, a prominent lawyer with experience at major companies like Morgan Stanley and Meta, became chair of the charity in July 2023, after previously serving as a trustee. She recounted a particularly awkward incident during a polo event in Miami last April, where she was reportedly asked by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, to switch places onstage, raising eyebrows and prompting media speculation about the Sussexes' treatment of Chandauka.

Tensions with the Sussexes

"I refused to release a statement in support of the duchess," Chandauka revealed. "Not because I didn’t care, but because I knew what would happen if I did. We cannot be an extension of the Sussexes." She also noted that the location of the polo match had shifted due to Harry's insistence on having a film crew on-site for a Netflix documentary, amplifying concerns about the charity's independence.

Impact of Sussex Estrangement

Chandauka pointed to the tension surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ongoing estrangement from the royal family as a significant challenge for Sentebale. She stated that the "unleashing of the Sussex machine" had made her a target amid their public relations endeavors. Despite these accusations and the challenging context, she maintained that her overall relationship with Harry had been "fantastic," albeit strained by the surrounding controversies.

Conclusion

As this highly publicized saga unfolds, the stakes remain high not only for the charity's future but also for the reputations of those involved. Will this dramatic fallout disrupt Sentebale's mission to aid vulnerable youth in Africa, or will the charity find a way to navigate these turbulent waters? Only time will tell.