Crystabel Ukwuegbu
Sophie Chandauka, chairperson of Sentebale, an African charity co-founded by Prince Harry, has accused the Duke of Sussex of leading a campaign of bullying and harassment aimed at removing her from her position. Her claims come in response to Harry’s sudden resignation from the organization.
In an interview with Sky News, Chandauka shared her concerns about Harry’s Netflix deal interfering with a key fundraising event and described tensions involving his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Harry stepped down from his patron role on Tuesday, citing an irreparable breakdown between Chandauka and the charity’s board members. In a joint statement, Harry and Sentebale’s co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, expressed disappointment over the situation but affirmed their support for the trustees. They also criticized Chandauka for legally challenging her removal from the voluntary role.
Chandauka has since reported the charity’s trustees to the UK Charity Commission and taken legal action in a British court to block her removal. She claims there has been misconduct within the organization, accusing it of fostering an environment of “abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir”—a term referring to discrimination against Black women.
She further stated that Harry’s resignation was unexpected and an example of “bullying at scale.” She also accused him of interfering with her whistleblower complaint, alleging a cover-up.
Chandauka noted a significant drop in donor support following Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties in 2020 and their relocation to California. She implied that Harry’s public controversies had adversely affected Sentebale, stating in an interview with the Financial Times that the biggest threat to the charity was “the damage associated with its most prominent patron’s reputation.”
One particular point of contention was a polo fundraiser in Miami last year. Chandauka explained that Harry’s request to bring a Netflix camera crew along for a documentary caused the cost of the venue to skyrocket, forcing organizers to find an alternative location at the last minute.
She also addressed a viral moment from the event, where Meghan unexpectedly appeared on stage during the trophy presentation. Video footage showed Chandauka attempting to stand next to Harry for a photo, but Meghan appeared to signal for her to move away. This sparked public discussion about the duchess’s role at the event and her interaction with Chandauka.
Following the incident, Chandauka claimed Harry pressured her to release a statement in support of Meghan, a request she refused. “Stating they cannot be an extension of the Sussexes”.
Sky News reached out to Harry and Meghan for a response, but they declined to comment. The Associated Press also contacted their representatives, but no immediate reply was received.
