Following a challenging week marked by allegations of bullying and harassment, Prince Harry expressed his relief regarding the U.K. Charity Commission's announcement to investigate the internal disputes at Sentebale, the charity he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. This inquiry comes after both Harry and Seeiso stepped down as patrons to support five trustees embroiled in conflict with the charity's chair, Sophie Chandauka.
Chandauka has made several serious accusations against Harry and the former trustees, claiming they engaged in bullying and sexism. These allegations have been vehemently denied by Harry and his co-founders, leading to a public relations crisis for Sentebale. In a joint statement with Seeiso, Harry articulated their expectation that the inquiry would bring forth the truth behind their resignation, stating, “We share in the relief that the Charity Commission confirmed they will be conducting a robust inquiry.”
The Charity Commission's investigation will focus on whether the current and former trustees have complied with legal duties tied to charity law. The commission stated it will collect evidence and review the charity's governance practices to ensure proper accountability. Amid these developments, Chandauka publicly welcomed the investigation, indicating it would reinforce confidence among stakeholders regarding Sentebale’s governance.
The dispute has attracted significant media attention, particularly given the involvement of Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, with Chandauka alleging that they utilized their media presence to target her after an uncomfortable encounter. This controversy highlights ongoing challenges faced by royal figures in charity leadership roles, reflecting deeper issues related to governance, accountability, and public perception in charitable organizations.
