The head of a charity co-founded by Prince Harry has accused the royal of "bullying and harassment at scale" after he and several others quit the organization earlier this week. Dr. Sophie Chandauka, chair of Sentebale, claimed that Harry’s actions have damaged the charity and created a toxic environment.
In a bombshell interview with Sky News, Dr. Chandauka stated that the relationship between Prince Harry and the 540 individuals working for Sentebale has been severely impacted by what she described as the "unleashing of the Sussex machine". This phrase refers to the public relations efforts surrounding the Duke of Sussex and his wife, Meghan Markle, which she believes have overshadowed the charity's mission.
Dr. Chandauka first felt tensions with Prince Harry about a year ago, and she claims that the situation escalated when he authorized the release of a damaging piece of news about his departure from Sentebale without informing her or her team. "Can you imagine what that attack has done for me, on me and the 540 individuals in the Sentebale organizations and their family?" she remarked, emphasizing the emotional toll this has taken on the charity's staff.
Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho resigned as patrons of Sentebale earlier this week, citing a breakdown in the relationship with the charity's trustees and Dr. Chandauka. In their joint statement, they expressed their disappointment that the relationship had "broken down beyond repair" and that they felt compelled to step down in support of the board of trustees.
Dr. Chandauka defended her leadership and insisted that the charity would continue to thrive despite the departures of its royal patrons. She stated, "The team is resolved that Sentebale will live on, with or without you." She also accused the Sussex brand of being a significant risk to the charity, claiming that it has hindered efforts to diversify its donor pool and hire new staff.
One of the pivotal moments that reportedly contributed to the tension was a request made by Prince Harry to bring a Netflix camera crew to a charity polo event in Miami. Dr. Chandauka claimed that this request jeopardized the event, as it turned the charity's efforts into a commercial venture without proper consent from venue owners and sponsors. "Nobody signed up to being on a Netflix show," she stated, highlighting the complications that arose from the situation.
In her interviews, Dr. Chandauka also revealed that she had been asked by Harry's team to defend Meghan against negative press, a request she firmly rejected. "I said no, we're not setting a precedent by which we become an extension of the Sussex PR machine," she explained. This refusal, she believes, contributed to the growing rift between her and the Sussexes.
As the fallout from these events continues, Dr. Chandauka has taken legal action against Sentebale after the board of trustees attempted to remove her from her position. In a statement, the charity's former trustees described their decision to resign as "devastating" but necessary due to a loss of trust and confidence in Dr. Chandauka's leadership.
The Charity Commission has acknowledged that it is aware of concerns regarding Sentebale's governance and is assessing the situation to determine appropriate regulatory steps. Meanwhile, Dr. Chandauka has alleged that she faced bullying, sexism, and racism during her time as chair, claims that have been denied by sources close to the former trustees.
Dr. Chandauka’s comments have sparked a significant media response, with many speculating about the future of Sentebale without its royal patrons. She has called for a shift in how the organization operates, arguing that its structure is no longer appropriate in a post-Black Lives Matter world, where funders are increasingly looking for locally-led initiatives.
In a pointed critique directed at Harry, she stated, "There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people, and then play the victim card and use the very press they disdain to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct." This statement underscores the deepening divide between Dr. Chandauka and the Sussexes, as well as the ongoing challenges facing Sentebale.
As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the charity will navigate this tumultuous period and what it means for the future of its mission to support young people affected by HIV and AIDS in southern Africa. Sentebale was founded in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso in memory of their mothers, Princess Diana and the former queen of Lesotho, and has been a significant part of Harry’s life since its inception.
Despite the turmoil, Dr. Chandauka remains resolute in her commitment to the charity's work, stating, "I am an African who has had the privilege of a world-class education and career. I will not be intimidated. I must stand for something." Her determination to uphold the charity’s values amidst the chaos may prove crucial as Sentebale moves forward.
