Recent reports reveal that tension within the Sentebale charity has reached a boiling point after allegations emerged that Meghan Markle does not like the charity’s chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. Insiders claim that the dispute began when Meghan’s behavior at a charity event set off a chain reaction leading to resignations, legal threats, and a public row with Prince Harry.
Sentebale was co-founded in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to honor the late Princess Diana and support vulnerable children in southern Africa. The charity, which had long been a personal passion project for the Duke of Sussex, is now caught in an internal crisis that many say was ignited by personal grievances involving the Sussexes and the charity’s leadership.
Event Background
At a polo match held in Florida in April 2024, Meghan Markle reportedly turned up unexpectedly with tennis star Serena Williams. Instead of mingling with guests, she is said to have slipped away from the main event. A source told the press:
“The problem, though, started with Meghan – Meghan doesn’t like Sophie.”
This remark is now cited as the spark that led to mounting internal friction. Staff at the event were reportedly tasked with serving champagne specifically for Meghan, which further fueled the controversy. According to witnesses, the charity chair found the behavior “rude” when she was forced to move during a group photo.
Chair’s Claims
Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who took over as chair in July 2023, has been vocal about her grievances. She claims that her attempts to improve governance and shift decision-making closer to the charity’s African base were met with resistance from members linked to the Sussex brand. Chandauka has accused Prince Harry of using his influence to force a narrative that casts his wife in a positive light—even when it comes at the cost of undermining the charity’s integrity.
In an interview with Sky News, Chandauka stated:
“I said no, we’re not setting a precedent by which we become an extension of the Sussex PR machine.”
Her refusal to issue a statement supporting Meghan following the on-stage incident is now seen as a key moment in the fallout. Chandauka’s strong stance has led to claims of bullying and harassment against Prince Harry, with the former alleging that he sent an “unpleasant” and “imperious” message to her after she declined to downplay the controversy.
Royal Involvement
The turmoil has forced significant changes in the charity’s leadership. Both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso resigned from their roles as patrons on March 25, 2025, citing an “untenable situation” and expressing solidarity with the board of trustees who had also stepped down. These resignations have further deepened the public dispute, with sources indicating that the resigning trustees pointed to a loss of trust in Chandauka’s leadership.
Prince Harry’s friend Rayner commented on the situation, revealing the Duke of Sussex’s deep sense of hurt over the events. His remarks suggest that the charity, which once stood as a symbol of hope in memory of Princess Diana, has now become mired in internal strife.
Internal Dispute
The dispute centers on the management of Sentebale and the direction in which it should move. Sources indicate that the board of trustees had significant concerns over financial decisions, including large consultancy fees that failed to yield new sponsorships. These governance issues, coupled with the highly publicized row over Meghan’s on-stage behavior, have prompted the charity’s board to demand that Chandauka step down—a demand she has fiercely resisted.
The situation escalated to the point where Chandauka filed legal action against the charity and reported her concerns to the UK Charity Commission. The Commission has since opened an investigation into the charity’s internal practices and management style.
Wider Implications
The fallout from this dispute is expected to have a lasting impact on Sentebale’s operations and its ability to attract donors. With Prince Harry’s personal brand now under intense scrutiny, critics argue that the charity’s reputation could suffer in the long term. Meanwhile, supporters of Chandauka insist that her push for stronger governance is a necessary step to safeguard the charity’s mission.
The public feud adds another chapter to the ongoing narrative of discord surrounding the Sussexes and their ventures. The incident not only highlights the challenges of managing a high-profile charity but also underscores the complexities that arise when personal and professional lines blur in the public eye.
