Allegations of Bullying Impact Prince Harry’s Charity Sentebale Amid Controversy

Allegations of Bullying Impact Prince Harry’s Charity Sentebale Amid Controversy

The chair of Prince Harry’s former charity Sentebale has claimed she faced bullying from the Duke of Sussex along with his public relations team. Dr. Sophie Chandauka articulated her experiences during an interview with Sky News, revealing details about interactions involving Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, at a charity polo event.

Significant Changes at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge

During the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge held in Florida, Prince Harry intended to bring a Netflix crew to the event. This decision reportedly caused the charity to lose its original venue due to a spike in costs, resulting in a sudden change to a different location. Additionally, the Duchess of Sussex, who was not initially scheduled to attend, made an unexpected appearance.

A Tense Situation on Stage

Chandauka noted that the Duchess informed them about her attendance at the last minute. This led to an awkward scenario on stage, where there were too many people present. Consequently, the international media captured this moment, leading to discussions about the Duchess’s presence and her interaction with Chandauka.

Requests for Public Statements

Following the media speculation sparked by the awkward stage moment, Prince Harry reportedly requested Chandauka to issue a statement supporting Markle. However, Chandauka declined the request, believing it was essential for the charity to maintain its independence.

She stated, “I said I wouldn’t. Not because I didn’t care about the duchess, but because I knew what would happen if I did so. We cannot be an extension of the Sussexes.” This assertion underscores the tension between personal relationships and professional obligations faced by charity leaders.

The Fallout from Allegations

After the interview, Chandauka’s claims were met with criticism from individuals familiar with the charity’s board. One source indicated that they anticipated this publicity stunt, emphasizing their decision regarding the chair’s resignation was in the charity’s best interest.

Chandauka reiterated her views during the interview, alleging systemic bullying she faced from Prince Harry and what she described as the Sussex public relations machine. In her comments, she expressed concern about a damaging piece of information released by Harry without her prior knowledge. This incident exacerbated her claims of harassment and bullying.

Contrasting Perspectives on Leadership Issues

A representative from the charity countered Chandauka’s allegations, explaining the context surrounding her departure. It was disclosed that both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho submitted their resignation to Chandauka and the charity’s trustees on March 10. Their resignation was attributed to irreconcilable differences regarding leadership and governance within the organization.

In a statement shared with the media, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso expressed sadness over the situation, emphasizing their commitment to the charity’s mission. They highlighted that the breakdown of their relationship with the charity’s trustees had created an untenable environment that led to their resignation.

Legal Battles and Strategic Restructuring

Reports suggest that Chandauka is filing a lawsuit against the charity’s trustees, alleging wrongful termination and expressing her belief that her leadership capabilities are being unfairly challenged. According to The Times, the charity is undergoing a board restructuring aimed at redefining its strategy in alignment with its goals in southern Africa.

Despite the ongoing tensions, both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso have insisted that their resignation was in the charity’s best interests and aimed at resolving the issues present within the organization.

Chandauka’s Defense and Claims of Governance Issues

In her defense, Chandauka shared that her dedication to Sentebale remains unwavering. She articulated her commitment as a proud African who believes in interconnectedness. In her statement, she pledged to uphold the integrity of the organization and ensure equitable treatment for everyone involved.

Chandauka raised questions about the motivations of individuals within the organization, indicating that mistreatment occurs when those in power misuse their influence while portraying themselves as victims. This perspective reflects her dissatisfaction with the current dynamics within the charity.

Looking Ahead for Sentebale

As the legal proceedings between Chandauka and the charity unfold, many anticipate further developments regarding the charity’s leadership structure. The contrasting narratives surrounding this situation illustrate the complexities faced by high-profile organizations connected to royal figures.

With ongoing media scrutiny and public interest in both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s activities as well as the future of Sentebale, the implications of this conflict are likely to resonate beyond the immediate parties involved.

The unfolding events raise critical questions about governance, accountability, and public perception, particularly for foundations associated with prominent public figures.

Chandauka concluded her statements by questioning the motivations of those involved in contesting her leadership and underscored the necessity for genuine dialogue regarding governance issues within the charity.

As this situation develops, onlookers will likely keep a keen eye on the outcomes that may impact not only the future of Sentebale but also the reputations of those involved.

Fox News Digital’s Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.