Prince Harry Hopes Inquiry Will Expose ‘Falsehoods’ Amid Leadership Dispute
Prince Harry has expressed hope that a regulatory investigation into Sentebale, the charity he co-founded, will expose what he describes as “blatant lies” that contributed to his recent resignation as patron.
The Charity Commission has launched a formal compliance review into concerns surrounding Sentebale, following the departure of the Duke of Sussex and several trustees amid internal disputes.
Harry, who established the organisation in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support vulnerable children in Southern Africa, described recent events as “heartbreaking” and insisted that only the charity’s beneficiaries are suffering from the turmoil.
The controversy centres on a dispute between the charity’s board members and its chair, Sophie Chandauka, who faced calls to step down. Several trustees, backed by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, resigned after their attempts to remove her were unsuccessful.
Ms Chandauka, in response, welcomed the investigation, stating that an internal review had already been conducted and findings would be shared with the Commission. She also emphasised that Sentebale’s operational team remained focused on its mission.
The leadership dispute has been marked by serious allegations, with Ms Chandauka accusing former trustees of poor governance, harassment, and misogyny. She also criticised Prince Harry, alleging he sought her removal in an inappropriate manner. However, sources close to the former trustees dismissed her claims as a “publicity stunt.”
The Charity Commission’s review will assess whether the charity and its trustees adhered to their legal responsibilities. The outcome could lead to official warnings or, if deemed necessary, a deeper statutory inquiry with broader investigatory powers.
