Prince Harry’s decision to step down from his beloved charity, Sentebale, has sparked a controversy that royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes could expose a new side of the Duke of Sussex. Fitzwilliams predicts a “very bitter battle” ahead for Harry, describing the situation as “absolutely devastating” for him.
The Conflict at Sentebale
Co-founded by Prince Harry in 2006, Sentebale was established to support children in southern Africa, particularly those affected by HIV and AIDS, in tribute to Princess Diana’s legacy. However, Harry recently announced his resignation from the charity, citing an “untenable” conflict between chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka and the board of trustees.
Reports suggest the dispute centers around disagreements over fundraising strategies and a push to shift the charity’s focus to Africa. In a joint statement with his co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Harry admitted to being “in shock” over the entire situation.
Allegations and Resignations
Dr. Chandauka, who has refused to resign, has accused the board of trustees of “poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, [and] misogynoir.” She has also claimed to have reported the trustees to the Charity Commission and secured a UK court injunction to prevent her removal.
As the tension escalated, five former trustees resigned from their positions, citing a “loss in trust and confidence” in Dr. Chandauka and raising concerns about the potential legal and financial risks tied to the conflict.
Fitzwilliams Reflects on the Impact
Fitzwilliams, reflecting on the impact of this scandal, noted that it is a major blow to Prince Harry. “This is absolutely the last thing Harry would wish for,” he explained, adding, “This may show a different side to him.”
What’s Next for Sentebale?
As the conflict continues to unfold, Sentebale now faces an uncertain future. The charity, which has long been a passion project for Prince Harry, is grappling with internal turmoil, with questions surrounding its governance and leadership.
For Harry, this marks another challenging moment in his public life, adding to the complexity of his post-royal journey. As the battle within Sentebale intensifies, it remains to be seen how the situation will affect the Duke’s reputation and his future charitable endeavors.
