Sophie Chandauka says duke unleashed ‘Sussex machine’ but source close to ex-trustees claims accusation baseless
The chair of a charity established by Prince Harry has accused him of “harassment and bullying at scale” after the Duke of Sussex and several others resigned from the organisation earlier this week. Dr Sophie Chandauka, the chair of the charity Sentebale, which provides support to children and adolescents living with HIV and AIDS, made the allegations during an interview with Sky News.
Chandauka claimed that Prince Harry had authorised the release of damaging information to the public without informing her or other key members of the charity. “The only reason I’m here … is because at some point on Tuesday, Prince Harry authorised the release of a damaging piece of news to the outside world without informing me or my country directors, or my executive director. That is an example of harassment and bullying at scale,” she said.
On Tuesday, Prince Harry announced his resignation as patron of Sentebale, a role he had held since the charity’s inception in 2006. He released a joint statement with co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, stating that they had been forced to step down “in support of and solidarity with” the board of trustees, who had also resigned. The statement claimed that the relationship had “broken down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation.”
The dispute reportedly arose from a decision to focus fundraising efforts in Africa. However, Chandauka’s accusations suggest a deeper conflict. She accused Prince Harry and the “Sussex machine” of mistreatment and cover-ups. “There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people, and then play the victim card and use the very press they disdain to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct,” she said.
Chandauka further alleged that she had blown the whistle on issues of “poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir – and the cover-up that ensued.” Her claims have sparked a significant controversy, with sources close to the former trustees of Sentebale dismissing her accusations as baseless.
Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry in 2006 after he spent two months in Lesotho during his gap year in 2004. The charity has since become a significant force in supporting young people affected by HIV and AIDS in southern Africa. Harry’s departure from the charity marks a significant shift, especially considering his past statements of gratitude and commitment.
In 2020, during a Sentebale dinner party, Prince Harry had expressed deep appreciation for the support he received from the charity. “When I lost my mum … you took me under your wing. You looked out for me for so long. Together, you have given me an education about living, and this role has taught me more about what is right and just than I could ever have imagined,” he said. His resignation now appears to contradict the sentiments he expressed at that time.
As of now, representatives for Prince Harry have not responded to requests for comment on the allegations made by Dr Sophie Chandauka. The situation remains tense, with both sides presenting starkly different narratives. The future of Sentebale and its mission to support vulnerable children and adolescents hangs in the balance, as the charity navigates this unexpected and highly publicised conflict.
The allegations against Prince Harry come at a challenging time for the royal family, who have faced numerous controversies in recent years. The Duke of Sussex’s role in the charity had been seen as a positive contribution to global health initiatives, but the current dispute threatens to overshadow his legacy in this area. The outcome of this conflict will undoubtedly have significant implications for both the charity and the public perception of Prince Harry’s philanthropic efforts.
