On Thursday, the Independent reported that the head of an African charity founded by Prince Harry criticized him for "playing the victim" after he resigned from his role as a patron of the foundation amid a dispute within the board of trustees.
Prince Harry co-founded the organization Sentebale two decades ago with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support children in Southern Africa, particularly those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Dr. Sophie Chandauka responded to the Duke, stating that she had been targeted for "exposing" alleged "abuse of power, bullying, harassment, and misogyny" within the charity.
Several trustees resigned alongside Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso after demanding Dr. Chandauka’s resignation.
Dr. Chandauka was appointed chair of the organization last year. Reports indicate that trustees were dissatisfied with her appointment and called for her resignation, prompting her to take legal action. According to The Times, the dispute centered around the decision to focus fundraising efforts within Africa.
The chair also claimed that she had reported the trustees to the Charity Commission and that the High Court had issued an emergency injunction preventing her dismissal.
A spokesperson for the Charity Commission for England and Wales stated: "We can confirm that we are aware of concerns regarding the governance of Sentebale. We are assessing the issues to determine appropriate regulatory steps."
The Independent learned that the Charity Commission has not yet issued any findings regarding these allegations.
In a joint statement, the Duke and Prince Seeiso expressed support for the departing trustees, announcing their resignation as patrons until further notice.
They stated: "Nearly 20 years ago, we founded Sentebale in honor of our mothers. Sentebale means 'Forget me not' in Sesotho, the local language of Lesotho, and this is the promise we have always made to the young people we have served through this charity."
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