Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 6, 2025 · Entertainment

Prince Harry and Charity Commission Clash: A Stinging Rebuttal

Harry holds a young child during a visit to a children's centre in Bute-Bute, Lesotho, in 2014

EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry's Explosive War of Words with Charity Commission Ignites Fresh Row

In a shocking turn of events, Prince Harry's camp has unleashed a scathing statement lambasting the Charity Commission report that exposed the explosive racism row at his beloved African youth organization, Sentebale. The prince's team is adamant that the watchdog chose to ignore "key concerns and irrefutable evidence" raised by the charity's former trustees, including longtime friends of Harry.

The bombshell statement from Prince Harry's camp comes as a direct response to the Charity Commission report, which found no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny, or racism at Sentebale. However, the watchdog did criticize both sides for failing to resolve their disputes internally and for allowing the row to play out in public, severely impacting the charity's reputation.

Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho at an event in Maseru, Lesotho, in October 2024

The drama began when Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chair of Sentebale, made a series of explosive allegations against Prince Harry and his fellow trustees, claiming they were engaging in "bullying at scale" and had created a toxic environment within the charity. She also accused them of trying to cover up their misdeeds and of using their royal connections to further their own interests.

In a blistering statement, Prince Harry's camp fired back at Dr. Chandauka, accusing her of making "false" claims about him and his fellow trustees. The statement also hit out at the Charity Commission for its handling of the investigation, claiming it had failed to uncover evidence of wrongdoing by the royal family members.

The row has been brewing for months, with both sides trading barbs in public. In March, Prince Harry resigned as patron of Sentebale, citing "untenable" leadership under Dr. Chandauka. However, Dr. Chandauka responded by accusing Prince Harry and his fellow trustees of engaging in a smear campaign against her.

The Duke of Sussex leaves the Royal Courts of Justice in London in April 2025

The Charity Commission investigation found that the row was sparked by disagreements over the charity's governance and future direction. The watchdog identified a series of governance weaknesses, including a lack of clarity around role descriptions and internal policies. However, it also criticized both sides for allowing their disputes to play out in public, rather than resolving them internally.

The report has left many in the charity world stunned, with some questioning whether Prince Harry's involvement had contributed to the problems at Sentebale. Others have praised the prince's commitment to philanthropy and his dedication to helping vulnerable young people in Africa.

In a statement, Dr. Chandauka said: "I am relieved that the Charity Commission has finally acknowledged the serious issues that I raised about the governance of Sentebale. Unfortunately, it has taken months of hard work and perseverance on my part to bring these matters to light."

Sentebale chair Sophie Chandauka during a polo event for the charity in Florida in April 2024

Prince Harry's camp responded with a scathing statement, saying: "We are disheartened by the way in which the Charity Commission has chosen to ignore key concerns and irrefutable evidence raised with them regarding the leadership and oversight of Sentebale's Chair. We remain gravely concerned for the future of the charity and the wellbeing of the communities we served for 19 years."

The drama has left many wondering what will happen next at Sentebale. Will Prince Harry return as patron, or will he continue to focus on his other charitable endeavors? Only time will tell.

A Timeline of Events

Dr Chandauka with the Sussexes at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in Miami in April 2024

  • February 2025: Dr. Sophie Chandauka privately raises concerns about the governance of Sentebale with the Charity Commission.
  • March 2025: Prince Harry and several fellow trustees resign from their roles at Sentebale, citing "untenable" leadership under Dr. Chandauka.
  • April 2025: The Charity Commission begins an investigation into the allegations made by both sides.
  • June 2025: The Charity Commission releases its report, finding no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny, or racism at Sentebale.

What's Next for Sentebale?

The Charity Commission has issued a Regulatory Action Plan to address the governance weaknesses identified in its report. However, it remains to be seen whether Prince Harry will return as patron of Sentebale. In a statement, a spokesman for the prince said: "With the original mission of Sentebale firmly in mind - and in honour of the legacy he and Prince Seeiso began - The Duke of Sussex will now focus on finding new ways to continue supporting the children of Lesotho and Botswana."

Dr Sophie Chandauka and Prince Harry in Johannesburg, South Africa, in October last year

As the drama continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of Sentebale hangs in the balance. Will the charity be able to recover from this latest scandal, or will it become another casualty of the royal family's internal struggles? Only time will tell.

TheScholarlyNote.com

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Sophie Chandauka on Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme in March

In related news:

  • Prince Harry's Philanthropic Efforts: A Timeline

    • 2006: Prince Harry co-founds Sentebale with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
    • 2010: Prince Harry begins his charity polo matches, raising funds for Sentebale and other causes.
    • 2020: Prince Harry announces that he will be stepping back from royal duties to focus on his charitable endeavors.
  • The Royal Family's Charitable Work

    At the time of his resignation, Prince Harry said his decision was 'devastating' and 'unthinkable' but described Dr Chandauka's leadership as 'untenable'

    • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, including the Royal Foundation and Heads Together.
    • The Queen has been a patron of over 600 organizations throughout her reign, dedicating herself to supporting vulnerable people and communities around the world.

Sources:

  • Charity Commission Report
  • Prince Harry's statement
  • Dr. Sophie Chandauka's statement

This article has been written in collaboration with TheScholarlyNote.com.