Prince Harry expressed relief after the Charity Commission announced it would investigate the charity Sentebale, which he co-founded, amid a significant internal conflict. Harry's support came after he and co-founder Prince Seeiso announced their resignation as patrons following disputes with the board chair, Sophie Chandauka. The commission will examine whether the charity’s trustees, including Chandauka, fulfilled their legal responsibilities after allegations of harassment and bullying surfaced from both sides involved in the dispute.
Prince Harry Feels 'Relief' as Charity Commission Investigates Sentebale Dispute
Prince Harry Feels 'Relief' as Charity Commission Investigates Sentebale Dispute
The Charity Commission is set to probe allegations surrounding Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry, amidst a public rift involving its board members.
Prince Harry and Sophie Chandauka, right, the chair of Sentebale, last year. The charity’s board has since been engulfed in a bitter dispute. Credit...Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Sentebale
By Mark Landler
Reporting from London
April 3, 2025, 10:38 a.m. ET
After a recent silence in the face of bullying and harassment allegations, Prince Harry welcomed the announcement this Thursday that the Charity Commission will investigate the turmoil at Sentebale, the charity he co-founded. The announcement follows Harry and Prince Seeiso's decision to resign as patrons amid an escalating crisis involving the charity's leadership.
The situation became increasingly contentious after Sophie Chandauka, chair of the board, made serious accusations against Harry and the former trustees, including allegations of sexism and harassment, which they vehemently denied. In a joint statement with Prince Seeiso, Harry expressed hope that the Charity Commission's robust inquiry would reveal the truth behind their resignations.
Chandauka has publicly claimed that her leadership has been targeted, especially after a tension-filled encounter involving Meghan Markle during a charity polo match in Miami. The former trustees, meanwhile, have reported a growing lack of confidence in her leadership capabilities.
The Charity Commission shared that it has started a compliance investigation into Sentebale, primarily to evaluate if the current and former trustees, including Chandauka, have adhered to their legal obligations as outlined by charity law. The regulator is actively collecting evidence to assess compliance.
In her statement, Chandauka also supported the Charity Commission’s decision, emphasizing the need for transparency and good governance within the organization to reassure various stakeholders, including the public and partners allied with Sentebale.
Mark Landler is the London bureau chief of The Times, covering the United Kingdom, as well as American foreign policy in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He has been a journalist for more than three decades. More about Mark Landler: See more on: British Royal Family, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
By Mark Landler
Reporting from London
April 3, 2025, 10:38 a.m. ET
After a recent silence in the face of bullying and harassment allegations, Prince Harry welcomed the announcement this Thursday that the Charity Commission will investigate the turmoil at Sentebale, the charity he co-founded. The announcement follows Harry and Prince Seeiso's decision to resign as patrons amid an escalating crisis involving the charity's leadership.
The situation became increasingly contentious after Sophie Chandauka, chair of the board, made serious accusations against Harry and the former trustees, including allegations of sexism and harassment, which they vehemently denied. In a joint statement with Prince Seeiso, Harry expressed hope that the Charity Commission's robust inquiry would reveal the truth behind their resignations.
Chandauka has publicly claimed that her leadership has been targeted, especially after a tension-filled encounter involving Meghan Markle during a charity polo match in Miami. The former trustees, meanwhile, have reported a growing lack of confidence in her leadership capabilities.
The Charity Commission shared that it has started a compliance investigation into Sentebale, primarily to evaluate if the current and former trustees, including Chandauka, have adhered to their legal obligations as outlined by charity law. The regulator is actively collecting evidence to assess compliance.
In her statement, Chandauka also supported the Charity Commission’s decision, emphasizing the need for transparency and good governance within the organization to reassure various stakeholders, including the public and partners allied with Sentebale.
Mark Landler is the London bureau chief of The Times, covering the United Kingdom, as well as American foreign policy in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He has been a journalist for more than three decades. More about Mark Landler: See more on: British Royal Family, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
