The chairwoman of Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, has made explosive claims against the Duke of Sussex, accusing him of orchestrating a campaign of “harassment and bullying at scale.” The allegations came during a televised interview on Sky News’ “Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips,” intensifying an already controversial leadership dispute within the organization.
A Dramatic Exit
Tensions escalated earlier this week when Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, along with the board of trustees, abruptly resigned from their roles at Sentebale. Sophie Chandauka, the charity’s chairwoman, claimed she and other key members of the organization were blindsided by the move. According to Chandauka, the Duke of Sussex authorized the release of damaging information without prior notification, leaving the charity in turmoil.
“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,” Chandauka stated.
She went further, questioning the impact of Harry’s actions. “Can you imagine what that attack has done for me, on me, and the 540 individuals in the Sentebale organization and their families?” she added. “That is an example of harassment and bullying at scale.”
Differing Accounts
While Chandauka has presented herself as a victim of an unfair power play, sources close to the former trustees have painted a different picture. According to a source who spoke to CNN, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso’s departure was fully expected and a strategic decision made “for the good of the charity.”
The source also refuted Chandauka’s claim that she was unaware of the resignations, stating that both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso had formally sent a resignation letter to the chairwoman and trustees on March 10. However, Sentebale contradicted this, telling CNN that while some executives had seen a letter signed on behalf of the trustees, there had been no direct resignation letter from the patrons themselves.
Power Struggle and Financial Concerns
The dispute highlights deep-seated governance issues within the charity, with allegations of financial mismanagement and leadership failures. Chandauka has accused Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of attempting to orchestrate a crisis within Sentebale, only to later “come to the rescue.” She also suggested that tensions between UK-based staff and those in Lesotho and Botswana contributed to the breakdown.
On the other hand, fingers are pointing at Chandauka’s leadership, alleging that excessive spending on consultants under her direction has strained the organization’s finances.
The Bigger Picture
Sentebale, founded in 2006 to support children affected by HIV and AIDS in southern Africa, now faces an uncertain future. The charity’s governance has come under scrutiny, with the UK’s Charity Commission assessing concerns over its leadership structure and financial management.
Chandauka remains committed to the organization’s mission, stating that despite the controversy, Sentebale will continue its work. However, the fallout from this public dispute could have lasting repercussions on donor confidence and the charity’s ability to function effectively.
Conclusion
As the dust settles, the feud between Prince Harry and Sophie Chandauka raises serious questions about Sentebale’s leadership and long-term sustainability. With ongoing investigations and heightened media attention, the charity must navigate these challenges while staying true to its mission supporting some of the most vulnerable children in southern Africa. Whether Sentebale can weather this storm remains to be seen.
