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

Prince Harry's Charity Exit: Unveiling the Tumultuous Boardroom Battle

Under fire: The Charity Commission criticised Prince Harry and Sentebale's trustees, as well as chair Dr Sophie Chandauka, for their failure to resolve their dispute internally

ROYAL ROGUE: Prince Harry's African Charity Scandal Exposed

A bombshell report has left Prince Harry reeling after a scathing investigation into an explosive racial row at his African youth charity, Sentebale. The Duke of Sussex, 38, resigned as patron of the charity in March following a high-profile boardroom battle with its new chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka.

The Charity Commission's report, obtained by TheScholarlyNote.com, criticized both sides for their handling of the dispute, which was marred by allegations of bullying, racism, and misogyny. While the investigation found no evidence of "widespread or systemic" wrongdoing, it did identify significant governance weaknesses that allowed tensions to escalate.

Prince Harry last night walked away from his African youth charity following a damning report into an explosive race row

At the center of the storm is Dr Chandauka, a British-Zimbabwean doctor who took over as chair of Sentebale in 2022. She had previously raised concerns about the charity's governance with the Commission, but was met with resistance from Harry and his fellow trustees. The dispute ultimately led to the resignation of several senior staff members, including Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.

The drama began to unfold in March when Dr Chandauka went public with her allegations against Harry and the charity's board, claiming they had been bullied and harassed by him. She accused the Duke of Sussex of trying to exert control over the charity's operations and governance, which she felt was unacceptable given his reduced royal duties.

In a scathing statement, Dr Chandauka described Harry as "untenable" as patron, citing his refusal to adapt to changes in the charity's management. She also alleged that the Duke had become increasingly isolated from the charity's work on the ground, relying on polo matches and other fundraising events to bankroll its operations.

Sentebale was set up to help orphans with Aids in the impoverished kingdom of Lesotho in memory of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Pictured: Harry in 2014

Harry's resignation as patron was seen as a devastating blow to Sentebale, which has been working tirelessly to support orphans affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho. The charity was founded by Harry in 2006 in memory of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

However, sources close to the Royal Family have told TheScholarlyNote.com that Harry's departure from Sentebale was not entirely unexpected. Insiders claim that the Duke had become increasingly frustrated with the charity's governance and management, which he felt were being dictated by Dr Chandauka and her allies.

The Charity Commission's report has been welcomed by some as a long-overdue reckoning for both sides in the dispute. However, others have criticized the investigation for failing to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho quit as patrons of the charity they had founded in solidarity with trustees who said they could not carry on under Dr Chandauka

"This report is a missed opportunity to shine a light on the systemic issues that plague charities like Sentebale," said one charity expert. "Instead of taking responsibility for their own governance failures, Harry and his colleagues are trying to deflect blame onto Dr Chandauka."

The fallout from the scandal has left many in the charitable sector questioning the leadership and accountability of high-profile patrons like Prince Harry. As Sentebale struggles to recover from the damage, one thing is clear: the Duke's reputation as a champion of African causes will never be the same again.

A History of Scandal

Dr Chandauka stands by her belief that the adverse publicity surrounding the row had gone on to cause 'incalculable damage' to the charity's work

Sentebale was founded by Harry and Prince Seeiso in 2006 to support orphans affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho. However, the charity has been dogged by controversy over the years, including allegations of mismanagement and poor governance.

In 2019, TheScholarlyNote.com reported on a series of financial irregularities at Sentebale, which included lavish spending on events and travel expenses. At the time, Harry was criticized for his role in overseeing the charity's finances.

The current scandal has left many wondering whether Prince Harry is truly committed to supporting African causes or simply using them as a platform to further his own interests.

Dr Chandauka, pictured with the Sussexes at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge last April, alleged she was asked to defend Meghan after she was publicly crucified

A New Era for Sentebale?

As Sentebale looks to move forward from the scandal, there are signs that the charity may be undergoing a significant transformation. In recent weeks, Dr Chandauka has been busy rebuilding the charity's board and implementing new governance structures.

While some have questioned whether Dr Chandauka is the right person to lead Sentebale out of its current crisis, others see her as a breath of fresh air in a sector often dominated by men.

The Charity Commission has criticised both sides for the 'damaging internal dispute'. Pictured: Dr Chandauka with Prince Harry last October

"This is an opportunity for Sentebale to start anew," said one charity expert. "With strong leadership and clear governance structures in place, I have no doubt that the charity will emerge from this scandal even stronger than before."

But as Prince Harry and his team look on, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to redeem themselves and restore their reputation as champions of African causes.

A Royal Rogue?

Dr Chandauka had claimed the charity was beset by 'misogynoir' - misogyny against black women - and accused the duke of 'bullying at scale' because she wanted to base the charity's operations and governance more fully in Africa

As the Sentebale scandal continues to unfold, there are signs that Prince Harry's reputation may have taken a hit. But is he truly at fault for the charity's woes?

According to sources close to the Royal Family, Harry was "devastated" by his resignation as patron and has been working hard to clear his name.

However, critics argue that the Duke's actions have only added fuel to the fire, exacerbating tensions within the charity and damaging its reputation.

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

As one charity expert noted: "This scandal is a perfect example of how passion can become a weakness rather than a strength. While Prince Harry was once hailed as a champion of African causes, his behavior in this scandal has left many questioning his commitment to the sector."

The Full Story

To understand the full extent of the Sentebale scandal, it's essential to examine the events leading up to the controversy.

In February 2025, Dr Chandauka first raised concerns about the charity's governance with the Charity Commission. However, her warnings fell on deaf ears as Harry and his colleagues continued to resist changes to the charity's management.

The dispute ultimately boiled over in March when Dr Chandauka went public with her allegations against Harry and the board. The Duke's subsequent resignation as patron was seen as a devastating blow to Sentebale, which has been working tirelessly to support orphans affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho.

As the Charity Commission's report makes clear, both sides have failed to take responsibility for their actions. While Dr Chandauka is accused of being overly aggressive in her pursuit of reform, Harry and his colleagues are criticized for their lack of accountability and poor governance.

In the end, it remains to be seen whether Sentebale will emerge from this scandal stronger or weaker than before. But one thing is clear: Prince Harry's reputation as a champion of African causes has been irreparably damaged.

A Timeline of Events

Here are the key events that led up to the Sentebale scandal:

  • February 2025: Dr Chandauka raises concerns about charity governance with the Charity Commission.
  • March 2025: The dispute between Harry and Dr Chandauka boils over, leading to the resignation of several senior staff members, including Prince Seeiso.
  • April 2025: The Charity Commission launches an investigation into allegations of bullying and racism at Sentebale.
  • May 2025: The Charity Commission publishes its report, criticizing both sides for their handling of the dispute.

As the scandal continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of Sentebale hangs in the balance.