A dispute surrounding the Sentebale charity, co-founded by the Duke of Sussex, has prompted an investigation by the Charity Commission. The watchdog’s decision to examine concerns raised about the charity comes after its head, Sophie Chandauka, spoke out about issues including bullying and harassment. Prince Harry expressed his hope that the investigation would “unveil the truth” following an acrimonious boardroom battle that led to resignations from the charity’s co-founder, trustees, and patrons.
In response to the watchdog’s announcement, Prince Harry, speaking on behalf of the former trustees and patrons, anticipated a thorough inquiry that would reveal the circumstances leading to their resignations. Since its establishment in 2006 to support children in southern Africa affected by HIV and Aids, Sentebale has aimed to honor the memories of Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso’s mothers. The Charity Commission’s initiation of a regulatory compliance case marks the initial step in assessing complaints and allegations related to the charity’s governance and management.
Sophie Chandauka, who reported the trustees to the Charity Commission, raised concerns about governance, administration, and management at Sentebale. She emphasized the importance of establishing a new board of trustees to ensure good governance and a healthy organizational culture. The charity faced challenges stemming from personality clashes, tensions around leadership, and financial concerns related to its strategic approach to fundraising efforts. Despite receiving additional funding from Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, Sentebale faced scrutiny over its spending on consultants and fundraising strategies.
The dispute took a personal turn as Sophie Chandauka highlighted issues around Prince Harry’s reputation and its impact on donor relations. Claims of conflicts during a fundraising event involving Meghan were refuted by sources close to the royal couple. While the controversy continues to unfold, the charity’s leadership remains focused on day-to-day operations and engaging with supporters to chart a forward-looking path for Sentebale’s future
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