A significant controversy has emerged involving Prince Harry and Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chairperson of Sentebale, a charity established by the Duke of Sussex nearly two decades ago in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana. Recent reports indicate that tensions between the two have escalated, with Chandauka accusing Harry of orchestrating a bullying campaign aimed at forcing her out of her position. The alleged conflict stems from an incident during a charity polo match in Florida last April, where an awkward exchange occurred involving Harry's wife, Meghan Markle. Following this event, Harry reportedly sent an unwelcoming message to Chandauka after she refused to publicly defend Meghan against any rumors of discord.
Dr. Sophie Chandauka, appointed as chair of Sentebale in 2023, expressed her dissatisfaction with Harry's actions, suggesting that they constituted harassment on a grand scale. She highlighted several instances of friction, including concerns over the charity's finances following Harry's decision to prioritize a Netflix documentary project over a scheduled fundraiser. This documentary allegedly caused logistical challenges and increased costs for the charity when Harry requested the presence of a film crew at the event.
The situation intensified when Chandauka rejected Harry's request to issue a public statement supporting Meghan, asserting that the charity should not serve as an extension of the Sussexes' personal matters. According to Chandauka, Harry's response was to exert pressure through his connections, briefing sponsors against her and attempting to undermine her fundraising efforts. Furthermore, she accused Harry of pushing through the appointment of a new board member without proper consultation, further straining their relationship.
Despite these allegations, sources close to Harry claim that he remains deeply committed to Sentebale's mission and hopes to re-engage with the organization if Chandauka departs. They emphasize that Harry has contributed significantly to the charity, raising nearly $16 million and donating over $1 million from the proceeds of his memoir "Spare." However, the current dispute has left the charity facing potential financial difficulties, with available funds falling below its safety threshold since Chandauka's appointment.
As the controversy continues to unfold, all parties involved remain steadfast in their respective positions. While Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho resigned as patrons to support the trustees in their dispute with Chandauka, the latter maintains that the accusations against her are baseless. With the Charity Commission now reviewing reports concerning governance issues, the future of Sentebale hangs in the balance, highlighting the complex dynamics at play within charitable organizations intertwined with high-profile personalities.