
In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry finds himself at the centre of bullying accusations within his own charity, mirroring the very claims he and Meghan Markle once directed at the Royal Family.
Royal Patronage Under Scrutiny
Last week marked Prince Harry's resignation as patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago in honour of his late mother, Princess Diana. Sentebale focuses on supporting orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. However, the organisation is now facing unexpected turmoil.
Accusations from Within
The upheaval began when Dr Sophie Chandauka, chairwoman of Sentebale, publicly accused Prince Harry of attempting to remove her from her position through what she describes as "bullying, harassment, and intimidation." These serious allegations have cast a shadow over the charity's operations and governance.
Internal Conflict Exposed
Dr Chandauka didn't stop at personal grievances. She took the bold step of reporting Sentebale to the Charity Commission, citing numerous governance failures. Her claims include poor management practices, abuse of authority, and a lack of transparency, all of which contradict the charity's mission of peaceful, community-led development.

Irony in the Air
The situation is particularly ironic given Prince Harry's history of speaking out against mistreatment within the Royal Family. Both he and Meghan Markle have publicly discussed their struggles, even securing substantial media deals to amplify their voices. Now, Harry faces similar allegations from within his philanthropic endeavours.
Chaotic Charity Events
The tensions within Sentebale came to a head during a charity polo event where Meghan Markle's appearance reportedly caused disorder. Dr Chandauka found herself in a difficult position as the event unraveled, leading to further strains between her and Prince Harry. Allegations suggest that Harry requested Chandauka to issue a statement supporting Meghan, which she refused, maintaining that the charity should remain independent.
Attempts to Control the Narrative
After legal challenges blocked Harry's efforts to remove Chandauka through a vote, accusations arose that he attempted to undermine the charity's reputation by releasing information to the press without proper authorization. This move only intensified the existing controversy surrounding Sentebale.
Echoes of Past Conflicts
This development raises questions about Prince Harry's ability to separate his personal experiences from his professional responsibilities. The discord within Sentebale eerily reflects the very issues Harry sought to distance himself from when stepping back from royal duties.

Impact on Sentebale’s Mission
Regardless of the veracity of these allegations, they have undoubtedly impacted Sentebale's reputation and ability to carry out its mission effectively. The charity, which employs over 500 people, now faces challenges that could hinder its support for children in need.
A Continuing Saga
The unfolding story highlights the complexities of public life and the difficulties of managing a charitable organisation amidst personal and organisational conflicts. Prince Harry's journey from royal life to philanthropy appears fraught with similar struggles he once aimed to overcome.
Looking Ahead
As this situation develops, the focus remains on how Sentebale will navigate these internal challenges. The charity's future and Prince Harry's role within it are now subjects of intense scrutiny, raising concerns about the sustainability of its mission and leadership.
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