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Claims of Bullying and Controversy Surrounding Prince Harry’s Charity Sentebale
The chair of Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry, has made serious allegations regarding her interactions with the Duke of Sussex and referred to her experiences in the organization as marked by “bullying.” Dr. Sophie Chandauka shared her accounts in an interview with Sky News this past Sunday.
Chandauka recounted an incident from the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge in Florida where the presence of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, brought unexpected complications to the event. Initially, she was informed that Markle would not be attending, but her last-minute appearance, along with a high-profile guest, created logistical issues during the event. “The choreography went badly on stage because we had too many people on stage,” Chandauka noted, resulting in unfavorable media coverage regarding the event’s organization and Markle’s participation.
This incident reportedly led to tension, with Prince Harry allegedly requesting Chandauka to issue a public statement in support of his wife. Chandauka resisted this suggestion, believing that such a move could compromise the integrity of the charity. “We cannot be an extension of the Sussexes,” she asserted, highlighting her position that the charity’s mission should take precedence over personal affiliations.
According to Chandauka, the “Sussex PR machine” was employed in ways that negatively impacted her and the organization. She claims a piece of damaging news was released without her knowledge, which had severe repercussions not just for her personal reputation but also for the stakeholders involved with Sentebale. “Can you imagine what that attack has done for me… and the 540 individuals in the Sentebale organizations and their family?” she expressed, describing this as a significant form of harassment.
A spokesperson close to the charity’s trustees indicated that they anticipated such developments and had made their decisions with the charity’s best interests at heart. There are reports that Chandauka is currently in a legal dispute with the charity’s trustees, suggesting further instability within the organization.
On March 25, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho resigned from their roles as patrons of Sentebale, citing irreconcilable differences between the board of trustees and Chandauka. “It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation,” they stated, expressing their commitment to the organization’s mission even amid these challenges.
In the aftermath of these events, it has come to light that the charity may undergo a restructuring process, aiming to align its leadership more closely with its operations in southern Africa. Reports suggest that Chandauka’s leadership has faced scrutiny, leading her to pursue legal action against the board.
Throughout her statement to the media and in various public forums, Chandauka emphasized her dedication to the charity’s goals, seeking to advocate for the young people they serve. She lamented the treatment she has received and remarked on broader issues of governance and equity, particularly concerning the challenges faced by women of color in leadership roles.
As developments evolve, the dialogue surrounding the operations and leadership of Sentebale continues to reveal the complexities of managing a charity intertwined with prominent figures and public scrutiny. The ongoing legal proceedings and internal disputes could significantly shape the organization’s future endeavors and its impact in Lesotho and Botswana.
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