The chair of an African charity co-founded by Prince Harry has opened up about the escalating tensions with the Duke of Sussex, revealing that the conflict began in April 2024 after she declined a request to publicly support Meghan Markle. This refusal, she claims, contributed to a growing rift that ultimately resulted in a major fallout within the charity.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Nichola Pease Chandauka, who has been leading Sentebale since 2023, explained that one of the charity’s biggest challenges was “the toxicity” surrounding Prince Harry’s public persona, which she said had been affecting the charity’s ability to function effectively.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso Depart Sentebale
On Tuesday, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, co-founders of Sentebale, announced their decision to step down from the charity. This move came after a failed attempt by trustees to remove Chandauka as the chair of the organization. In response to the departure, all five trustees resigned, and the royal patrons also distanced themselves from the charity. This dramatic shift prompted the UK Charity Commission to launch an official inquiry into the situation.
Allegations of Bullying and Intimidation
Chandauka has accused the organization’s leadership of “disrespect, bullying, and intimidation” during her tenure as chair. However, these claims have been strongly denied by those involved. Despite this, Chandauka stands by her assertion that the dispute began when she refused to use Sentebale as a platform to defend Meghan Markle publicly.
“I said no. We cannot turn this charity into an extension of the Sussex PR machine,” Chandauka explained, clarifying that her decision was based on the need to keep the charity’s mission and values separate from public relations matters.
Legal Action and Controversy
The tension reached new heights in March when Chandauka took legal action, seeking an injunction from the UK High Court to prevent a vote on her removal. She argued that Prince Harry’s controversial reputation, especially after his move to the U.S., had hindered the charity’s efforts to raise funds and secure senior leadership. The fallout from his Netflix series and memoir, which have been polarizing, has further complicated Sentebale’s ability to thrive, according to Chandauka.
Chandauka’s stance highlights the complex dynamics between charity work and the public image of its patrons. While Sentebale was initially created to help children affected by HIV in southern Africa, the growing tensions surrounding Prince Harry and his family’s media presence have made it increasingly difficult for the organization to remain above the fray.
The Road Ahead for Sentebale
As the inquiry into the situation continues, it remains unclear what the future holds for Sentebale. The departure of its royal patrons and the resignations of the trustees have left the charity in a precarious position. For now, the focus is on resolving the internal disputes and ensuring the charity can continue to support its vital cause without the distraction of ongoing controversies.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by organizations tied to high-profile figures and highlights the delicate balance between philanthropy and the personal lives of those involved. With ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny, Sentebale’s path forward will likely depend on how the internal conflict is resolved and whether the charity can regain its footing in the eyes of donors and supporters.
