Prince Harry may be feeling a bit on edge these days, especially regarding an alleged “unpleasant” message he supposedly sent to Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chair of the charity Sentebale.
Sources close to the organization have suggested that Harry’s actions could backfire, especially considering his past stance on protecting his wife, Meghan Markle, from bullying accusations.
The message, described as both “angry” and “imperious,” allegedly came after Dr. Chandauka refused to publicly back Meghan during a dispute over a lavish polo event in 2024.
If the message’s content is as harsh as claimed, it could paint Harry in an unflattering light, potentially exposing him as a hypocrite.
The Fallout from Sentebale’s Internal Conflict
The drama surrounding Sentebale, the charity Harry co-founded in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana, has been making headlines.
Recently, the British Charity Commission launched an investigation into the charity’s governance following a bitter boardroom clash between Harry and Dr. Chandauka. While Harry maintains that “the truth will be unveiled” through the inquiry, insiders believe he has reason to be nervous.
These sources claim that the alleged message Harry sent to Dr. Chandauka could make him look contradictory, particularly given his vocal defense of Meghan when she faced bullying accusations.
A charity insider told Page Six that Harry’s world essentially “stopped” when Meghan was accused of bullying, and he went to great lengths to shield her.
In contrast, the insider argues, Harry now faces accusations of similar behavior.
The alleged message he sent to Dr. Chandauka during a tense moment at the polo event only deepens the controversy, as it supposedly reinforced a pattern of expecting others to be subservient to him.
The Accusations and Counterclaims
Dr. Chandauka has not been shy in responding to the accusations.
She has denied claims that she was involved in harassment or bullying and instead painted Harry as the one using the charity for personal PR gain. She also criticized his attempts to push her out after she stood her ground against him.
The dispute also led to some tense moments, including an incident in which Meghan appeared to distance herself from Dr. Chandauka during a public event.
Meanwhile, Harry and a group of former trustees resigned from their roles at Sentebale last week, citing governance concerns under Dr. Chandauka’s leadership.
The resignations sparked further drama, as the ex-trustees accused Dr. Chandauka of mismanaging donor funds and fostering a toxic atmosphere within the organization.
She, in turn, has described the situation as a case of “poor governance, weak executive management, and abuse of power,” pointing to Harry’s influence over certain decisions as part of the problem.
Legal Tensions and Social Media Storms
As the Charity Commission investigates, Dr. Chandauka has also faced significant personal attacks.
After a wave of online abuse, including racist and misogynistic comments from some of Harry and Meghan’s most vocal supporters, she took the decision to delete her social media accounts.
This online harassment has only added fuel to the fire, leading many to question the role social media plays in the ongoing drama.
Despite the negative attention, Dr. Chandauka remains focused on the day-to-day operations of Sentebale in Lesotho and Botswana, hoping the Charity Commission’s findings will reassure donors and supporters that the charity is in good hands.
What’s Next for Sentebale?
With the Charity Commission’s investigation underway, the future of Sentebale could be at a crossroads.
The organization, founded by Harry and Prince Seeiso in 2006, was meant to support children and young people in southern Africa, especially those living with HIV and AIDS.
However, the ongoing leadership crisis threatens to overshadow its mission.
For Harry, the situation is a deeply personal one, as he watches the charity he helped build struggle amid allegations, resignations, and public scrutiny.
Harry’s spokesperson has declined to comment on the specifics of the situation, but it’s clear that the drama surrounding Sentebale is far from over.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how these tensions will ultimately impact the charity and its future direction.
