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The chairwoman of Prince Harry’s former charity, Sentebale, has made serious allegations including claims of bullying from both the Duke of Sussex and his media relations team. Dr. Sophie Chandauka revealed details about her experiences in an interview with Sky News, which aired on Sunday.
Dr. Chandauka’s interview outlined various incidents that occurred during her tenure with the organization, particularly an event at a polo fundraiser in 2023 that involved Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. She recounted how Prince Harry requested to have a Netflix crew film the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge in Florida. This decision unexpectedly led to the charity losing its initial venue due to heightened costs, forcing a last-minute switch.
Interestingly, new complications arose when the Duchess of Sussex, initially not included in the plans, decided to attend the event at the last minute. Dr. Chandauka remarked that the last-minute nature of Meghan’s attendance created what she described as an “awkward moment.”
Media Attention and Requests for Support
With an increase in media attention surrounding the event, Prince Harry supposedly requested Dr. Chandauka to issue a public statement in support of Meghan Markle. Chandauka responded firmly, stating she would not comply. She believed any such action would constitute an extension of the Sussexes’ influence over the charity.
Dr. Chandauka declared, “I said I wouldn’t [issue the statement]. Not because I didn’t care about the duchess, but because I knew what would happen if I did so, number one. And number two, because we cannot be an extension of the Sussexes.”
The turmoil took a sharp turn as rumors circulated of a rift between the charity’s leadership and its royal patrons. A source associated with the trustees indicated that they anticipated this media blitz and adhered to their collective decision, emphasizing the charity’s well-being.
Continuing Claims of Bullying
In her revelations, Dr. Chandauka reiterated her claims of experiencing bullying, stating that much of the press surrounding Sentebale was directed by what she termed the “Sussex PR machine.” She claimed, “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 or my country directors, or my executive director.”
Such actions, she believes, caused significant emotional distress not only for her but also for the 540 individuals associated with Sentebale and their families. In her view, this incident exemplified bullying and harassment at a significant scale.
Resignations and Future of the Charity
According to further reports, a resignation letter was sent on March 10 to Dr. Chandauka by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. Subsequently, on March 25, both princes stepped down from their roles with Sentebale, the organization they co-founded in 2006.
The two princes shared a heartfelt statement, expressing that nearly 20 years earlier, they had established the charity in honor of their mothers. They stated, “Sentebale means ‘forget-me-not’ in Sesotho, and it’s what we’ve always promised for the young people we’ve served through this charity.”
In their resignation announcement, they emphasized the necessity of their decision to stand in solidarity with the board of trustees who had also resigned, attributing the breakdown in relationships to an untenable situation.
Restructuring and Legal Disputes
Reports have surfaced indicating that the charity undertook a restructuring of its board, reaffirming its commitment to better engage with its team in southern Africa. Dr. Chandauka has reportedly taken legal action against the trustees, claiming they expressed concerns about her leadership.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso defended the actions of the trustees, stating that their decision to request Dr. Chandauka’s resignation was made in the charity’s best interest amid growing tensions within its leadership structure.
Dr. Chandauka, on her part, has expressed that she feels her position and integrity as chair of the board were unfairly challenged. She has also accused both princes of adopting a predictable victim narrative while enabling a hostile work environment.
As part of her lengthy statement, she expressed deep dedication to the cause of Sentebale, emphasizing her identity as a proud African committed to assisting the youth served by the organization. Dr. Chandauka proclaimed, “Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organization and the young people we serve.”
A Broader Reflection on Governance and Justice
Dr. Chandauka’s claims raise vital concerns about governance within charitable organizations. She admonished those wielding power who may feel they exist above the law, highlighting the need for fair treatment and accountability in leadership roles. In her view, these allegations underscore not just her experience but instances of broader systemic issues that can occur in organizations.
Dr. Chandauka’s ultimate objective appears to seek justice in what she describes as a situation reflecting governance failures marked by issues such as bullying and harassment within the charity. She concluded by hinting at serious concerns about the current accountability mechanisms in charity organizations and the potential need for reform.
As the sentiment continues to grow regarding the challenges faced by charitable institutions, both the Sentebale controversy and Dr. Chandauka’s bold claims highlight the complexities of leadership, responsibility, and fairness within the realm of charitable endeavors.
Fox News Digital’s Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.
