Prince Harry’s Sentebale charity is in turmoil following claims by its chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, that the Duke of Sussex pressured her to publicly support his wife, Meghan Markle, after a widely circulated photo-op went wrong at a polo match. The incident has sparked heated debates over the charity’s governance and the behavior of high-profile royals. The charity, founded in memory of Princess Diana to help children affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa, has seen dramatic changes following internal disputes.
A number of credible sources, including The Times, People, Sky News, The Telegraph, and Page Six, have reported on the sequence of events leading up to the crisis. Several reports detail that the tension began during the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in Florida, when Meghan Markle unexpectedly ordered Chandauka to change positions during a group photo. The moment, caught on video and shared widely on social media, quickly became a flashpoint for controversy.
Event Details
The incident took place in April 2024 during a polo event in Florida. Photographs and video clips from the event captured a moment where Meghan Markle, 43, was seen asking Chandauka to move away from Prince Harry’s side. According to multiple reports, Meghan repeatedly said:
“You want to come over here?”
Chandauka was forced to awkwardly reposition herself during the photo session, a move that has since drawn criticism from both media outlets and the public. The situation worsened when Prince Harry reportedly requested that Chandauka issue a public statement in support of Meghan. Chandauka refused the request, explaining that such an action would only worsen the negative attention on the Duchess.
Charity Background
Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 to honor the late Princess Diana. The charity’s mission is to support vulnerable children in southern Africa who are affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization has long been seen as a touching tribute to Diana’s legacy. However, recent internal conflicts and allegations of poor governance have cast a shadow over its noble aims.
Dr. Sophie Chandauka, a Zimbabwe-born lawyer with extensive experience in business and finance, took on the role of chair in July 2023. Reports suggest that she has been at the center of disagreements regarding the charity’s management and strategic decisions. Some trustees have criticized her for decisions that they claim have put financial strain on the charity and jeopardized key sponsorship deals.
Board Resignations
The fallout from the polo event was not an isolated incident. It formed part of a larger crisis within the organization that led to the resignation of Prince Harry and other trustees. In a joint statement, Harry and Prince Seeiso expressed that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair had deteriorated beyond repair. They stated:
“It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation.”
Several trustees decided to resign after failing to resolve differences with Chandauka. They described the atmosphere as unsustainable and felt that continuing under the current conditions would harm the charity’s mission. The resignations have raised concerns among donors and beneficiaries alike, prompting a referral to the UK Charity Commission for further investigation.
Governance Concerns
Multiple sources have noted that the governance issues at Sentebale extend beyond the photo-op incident. Chandauka has accused Prince Harry of engaging in bullying and harassment. She claims that her refusal to issue a public statement in defense of Meghan Markle led to repeated attempts by Harry and other trustees to force her resignation. One report stated that Chandauka described the situation as follows:
“I said I wouldn’t. Not because I didn’t care about the duchess, but because I knew what would happen if I did so, number one. And number two, because we cannot be an extension of the Sussexes.”
Her decision to stand her ground appears to have contributed to the breakdown of trust among the charity’s leadership. The dispute has also highlighted broader issues regarding accountability and the influence of high-profile personalities within charitable organizations.
Critics have pointed out that the internal strife could distract from the charity’s work in supporting children in need. A source close to the charity remarked that the infighting has placed the organization under severe financial strain. Reports indicate that a key donor, including support from government bodies, was affected by the ongoing dispute.
Public and Media Reaction
The story has captured the attention of international media, with different outlets providing varying perspectives on the incident. Some commentators have labeled the photo-op as “awkward” and have criticized the behavior of both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Others have defended Chandauka’s stance, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries between personal relations and the governance of a charity.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes described Chandauka’s account as “highly misleading” and maintained that the charity’s decisions were made in its best interest. Meanwhile, Chandauka has reiterated that her actions were driven by a commitment to the integrity of Sentebale rather than by any personal vendetta.
The unfolding situation continues to generate significant public interest and raises questions about how charities handle leadership disputes in high-profile organizations. With the Charity Commission now investigating the matter, further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
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