The internal turmoil at Sentebale has reached a boiling point after an alleged “imperious” text from Prince Harry surfaced. The scandal has triggered mass resignations and a heated leadership dispute.
Royal rift deepens over Sentebale controversy
Prince Harry faces scrutiny over an “extraordinary” message he allegedly sent to Sophie Chandauka, the chair of Sentebale.
Sources describe the message as “very unpleasant” and claim it demanded an explanation for Meghan Markle’s actions at a fundraising polo match.
The controversy began with accusations that Meghan snubbed Chandauka at the event.
This issue soon escalated into a deepening rift between Harry and Sentebale’s trustees.
Mass resignations shake Sentebale leadership
As tensions grew, Sentebale faced an internal crisis. The board of trustees resigned en masse, citing an irreparable breakdown in their relationship with Chandauka. They also called for her resignation.
Despite the pressure, Chandauka has refused to step down.
Instead, she remains focused on Sentebale’s mission to support vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana.
The backlash against her has been intense, forcing her to close her public social media accounts due to online harassment from Sussex supporters.
However, sources close to her assert that she remains committed to the charity’s goals and refuses to be swayed by personal conflicts.
Meghan Markle’s role in the Sentebale conflict
The dispute largely stems from a 2023 charity polo match in Miami.
Harry allegedly insisted on bringing a Netflix crew to film for a documentary.
Chandauka claims this decision led to the event losing its original venue.
When the match was reorganized, Meghan arrived unexpectedly with Serena Williams, further complicating the situation.
A particularly awkward moment, caught on camera, shows Meghan appearing to elbow Chandauka out of the frame during a prize-giving ceremony.
The resurfaced footage has fueled speculation about tensions behind the scenes.
Allegations of pressure and harassment in Sentebale
Following the incident, Harry allegedly pressured Chandauka to issue a public statement in support of Meghan.
She refused, arguing that Sentebale should remain independent and not be perceived as an extension of the Sussex brand.
This stance, she later claimed, led to an orchestrated effort to remove her from the organization.
Chandauka has since accused Harry of “harassment and bullying at scale,” a claim his camp strongly denies.
The fallout has raised concerns about his leadership, especially since he had not visited Lesotho for five years before his 2024 trip, which came at Chandauka’s invitation.
Sentebale’s future amid boardroom battle
Despite the internal turmoil, sources close to Sentebale insist that the charity remains stable.
New sponsors and donors have stepped forward. Additionally, four new trustees have been appointed to fill the vacancies left by the resignations.
Observers believe the core issue is a difference in vision for Sentebale’s future.
Chandauka has pushed for decision-making power to move from London to Africa.
She argues that local leadership is essential for effective governance.
However, this shift reportedly met resistance from long-standing trustees aligned with Harry.
What’s next for Sentebale?
A Serious Incident Report (SIR) filed by Chandauka with the Charity Commission is under investigation.
The long-term impact of this controversy on Sentebale remains unclear.
While Harry has not publicly addressed the allegations, his supporters question whether Chandauka is acting in the best interests of the charity or using her platform to target him.
Regardless of the outcome, this dispute has exposed deep divisions within Sentebale.
It has also raised questions about the future of Harry’s involvement with the organization.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on whether Sentebale can weather this storm and continue its vital mission without further distraction.