Latest news with #Chandauka
Arab Times
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Prince Harry considers launching new African charity after Sentebale dispute
LONDON, Aug 11: The Duke of Sussex is reportedly exploring the possibility of establishing a new charity focused on Africa after the recent controversy surrounding Sentebale, the organization he co-founded in 2006. Sources close to Prince Harry say he remains committed to 'continuing to support the children of Lesotho and Botswana,' despite having stepped down from Sentebale amid the ongoing dispute. While no formal decision has yet been made regarding his future involvement, he is 'examining his options' and plans to announce his next steps in due course. 'He may choose to support existing charities working in the region or decide to launch a new initiative altogether,' a source familiar with the Duke's thinking revealed. This development follows a ruling by the Charity Commission, which on Wednesday confirmed that Sentebale's chairwoman, Sophie Chandauka, would remain in her role despite a highly publicized conflict that led to the resignation of Prince Harry and other trustees. The regulator identified governance issues within the charity and criticized 'all parties' for allowing the dispute to become public, but its decision to keep Ms. Chandauka in place was seen as a significant setback for the Duke. Prince Harry established Sentebale nearly two decades ago to carry forward the legacy of his late mother, Princess Diana, by supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. Allies have described the charity as 'his life's work.' Following the Charity Commission's report, they accused Ms. Chandauka of orchestrating a 'hostile takeover' intended to wrest control from the Duke. In March, Prince Harry, along with co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and several trustees, resigned, citing mismanagement and calling for Ms. Chandauka's removal. Ms. Chandauka, in turn, accused them of bullying, harassment, and misogynoir—discrimination against black women. The regulator's investigation found no evidence of misconduct by Prince Harry as patron, nor did it find 'widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir.' Tensions reportedly began in April 2024 after an 'awkward' encounter between Ms. Chandauka and the Duchess of Sussex at a polo match in Miami. The incident, captured on video, went viral and sparked controversy about seating arrangements during a post-match photo. Ms. Chandauka declined an invitation from the Duke to publicly clarify the interaction. Sources close to the event said the Duchess wanted Ms. Chandauka 'front and centre' in the photograph, contradicting earlier claims of awkwardness. They suggested Ms. Chandauka 'saw an opportunity to create further tension' by not clarifying the situation, which fueled division. On Wednesday, Ms. Chandauka said the public dispute had caused 'incalculable damage' to Sentebale, blaming 'an unexpected adverse media campaign launched by those who resigned.' In response to the Charity Commission's findings, Prince Harry described the investigation as having 'troublingly short' results and reaffirmed his commitment to 'finding new ways to continue supporting the children of Lesotho and Botswana.' Over nearly two decades, the Duke has donated generously to Sentebale, including £1.2 million from the proceeds of his 2023 memoir, Spare, along with other donations and fundraising efforts.
Daily Mirror
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Fuming' Prince Harry plots next move with 'all options on table' as bitter Sentebale row deepens
Prince Harry quit as patron of Sentebale, a charity he co-founded in 2006, following a bitter boardroom battle - and now it seems he is plotting his next move amid the fallout Prince Harry is considering starting a brand new humanitarian charity as the war of words over him quitting Sentebale rumbles on. A messy and very public boardroom battle saw the Duke of Sussex quit as patron of Sentebale in March in support of trustees who resigned in opposition to board chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka, who previously levelled accusations of bullying and harassment against the royal. The charity works in Botswana and Lesotho, supporting the health and well-being of young people, especially those with HIV and Aids. Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who co-founded Sentebale alongside the duke in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 2006, also stepped down as patron. It comes after the news Harry is 'wounded' over the bitter rift and horrified as 'wrists slapped'. The Charity Commission published a report into the episode last week, criticising all sides for making the fallout public with interviews and statements, but the war of words has continued. A source said that the row had been "emotionally absolutely devastating" for Harry, and described Dr Chandauka's comments as "nothing short of a hostile takeover". And now a spokesperson for Harry said: "The duke remains absolutely committed to continuing the work he started, supporting the children and young people of Lesotho and Botswana, nearly 20 years ago. In what form that support takes — no decisions have been made. "All options remain on the table, whether that be starting a new charity or working to support pre-existing charities operating in the same sector in the region." The charity regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, said it found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity, but acknowledged "the strong perception of ill treatment" felt by some involved. According to the Mail on Sunday, Harry has now issued a formal complaint about Dr Chandauka's conduct, saying they have "directly impacted" his other charity work. Meanwhile, the former trustees who resigned at the same time as Harry said in a statement they were "gravely concerned for the future of the charity" as they felt the commission had "chosen to ignore key concerns and irrefutable evidence raised with them regarding the leadership and oversight of Sentebale's chair". In response to the findings, Sentebale said in a statement: "The Charity Commission is explicitly clear, including in its public guidance, that it is not the commission's responsibility to adjudicate or mediate internal disputes. This would include individual allegations of bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir etc. "As a result, the commission has not investigated any individual allegations and therefore has not made any findings about individuals, including Prince Harry. The issues not investigated by the commission can and may be dealt with through avenues more appropriate than the commission." It comes as former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror that Harry is "clearly fuming" by the fallout. She explained: "I think Harry is now even more disillusioned by the 'establishment' - and that includes most official channels. He is reported to believe the Charity Commission is not fit for purpose, and so any future ventures are unlikely to be under its jurisdiction. "Sentebale was a passion for Harry and one that was closely associated with his mother, who campaigned so hard to make the world understand more about AIDS and HIV. "When you saw him with the children, he seemed so invested in helping them, so compassionate and so full of fun as he played games with them and made them feel their world was a better place. "He has said himself that he is devastated by the way things have turned out. It was interesting that in his resignation from the charity earlier this year, he and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso, said their decision was 'until further notice'. "I think Harry believed the charity commission would come down firmly on his side and oust the chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, from her position, allowing him to return as patron. Now, however, he sees the report as enabling what he calls 'a hostile takeover'. "Critically, the report cleared the Prince of the damaging allegations of bullying, misogyny, and misogynoir. But it was highly critical of the way Harry, and indeed Dr Chandauka, waged an angry war of words in public. Neither side has come out of this well, and both have had their wrists well and truly slapped by the commission."
The South African
10-08-2025
- Health
- The South African
Prince Harry devastated by ‘hostile takeover' of Sentebale Charity
Prince Harry is reportedly 'utterly devastated' following what he describes as a 'hostile takeover' of Sentebale. Sentebale is the charity he co-founded to support children affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. The Duke of Sussex spent hours on late-night calls from his home in California, expressing deep frustration to supporters over the situation. It has been marked by conflict with the charity's current chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, according to Page Six. Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho founded Sentebale in 2006, inspired by their late mothers and Harry's experience during a gap year in Lesotho. The charity name means 'forget-me-not' in Sesotho. The charity has worked to aid children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS and struggling with mental health challenges. Despite stepping back as a working royal, Harry continued his commitment to Sentebale. This included directing half of his share from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and part of his memoir proceeds towards it. The dispute arose when Harry and some trustees resigned from Sentebale in March 2025, citing a breakdown in trust and confidence in the chair, Dr Chandauka. She then publicly accused Harry and the trustees of poor governance and other issues, including bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir. This is a term that describes anti-Black misogyny. However, the Charity Commission for England and Wales conducted an investigation and found no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment, or misogyny within Sentebale. The Commission's report criticised the charity's governance structures but cleared both Harry and Dr Chandauka of wrongdoing. The Charity Commission's findings highlight governance issues and the need for clearer delegation of responsibilities within Sentebale. Despite this, Dr Chandauka remains chair. Harry expressed that he would not work with the charity again as long as she and her chosen trustees remain in power. A spokesperson for Harry explained, 'The Duke is… deeply upset by this entire ordeal, though he remains committed to continuing the work he began 19 years ago. He still wants to support the children of Lesotho and Botswana living with HIV/AIDS and struggling with mental health issues'. Dr Chandauka responded to the Charity Commission's findings by reaffirming her stance that Harry launched a damaging media attack against her following his resignation. However, the charity regulator found no merit in claims of misconduct. 'Their report falls troublingly short in many regards, primarily the fact that the consequences of the current Chair's actions will not be borne by her. The issues surrounding Sentebale resonate given the regional vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and the importance of robust charity governance. The charity's leadership, now including an interim executive director based in Johannesburg, is critical for the continuation of vital support to vulnerable children in Southern Africa. With Lesotho neighbouring South Africa and sharing similar health challenges, the future of Sentebale carries significant regional weight. The Charity Commission's concluding remarks urged all parties to move forward in the charity's best interest. They highlighted the need for unity to preserve Sentebale's mission. Meanwhile, Prince Harry appears to be exploring new philanthropic avenues to continue his dedication to these causes. He remains cautious about re-engaging with Sentebale under the current leadership. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Irish Sun
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Prince Harry ‘condemns' Sentebale charity boss for using Diana's memory in ‘poorest possible taste' after ‘bullying' row
It comes after Harry dramatically walked away from the charity 'HOSTILE TAKEOVER' Prince Harry 'condemns' Sentebale charity boss for using Diana's memory in 'poorest possible taste' after 'bullying' row PRINCE Harry has accused the Sentebale boss of acting in the "poorest taste" after he walked away from the charity, sources claim. The Duke slammed Dr Sophie Chanduaka after she referenced his late mother Princess Diana in the wake of their bitter "bullying" row. Advertisement 5 The Duke of Sussex accused Sentebale chief Dr Sophie Chanduaka of acting in the 'poorest taste' Credit: Getty 5 The Charity Commission said chances were missed to settle differences at Sentebale Credit: Getty 5 The Duke is said to be 'devastated' that his late mother was referenced by Chandauka Credit: Getty - Contributor Harry, 40, set up the charity in 2006 in memory of Diana for young people and kids living with HIV and Aids. But he stepped down from his position - alongside co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho - in March following a public fall out with Dr Chandauka. Yesterday, it was revealed that the prince was walking away from the charity after a damning report accused him of "harming" its reputation. The investigation rebuked "all parties", but judged that Dr Chandauka could remain in place as chair of trustees with the current board. Advertisement In response, she hailed the ruling and pointed to the co-founders' mothers, who inspired the creation of the organisation. She said: "Despite the recent turbulence, we will always be inspired by the vision of our founders, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, who established Sentebale in memory of their precious mothers, Princess Diana and Queen 'Mamohato. The Duke is said to be "devastated" that his late mother was referenced by Chandauka, who he has accused of destroying his "life's work". Speaking to The Telegraph, a source close to Harry said: "For Sophie Chandauka to have invoked Princess Diana's memory in her own defence was in the poorest possible taste. Advertisement "She's got what she wants, which is control of the charity, but unfortunately the people who suffer most out of all of this… are the children of Lesotho and Botswana. 'The most devastating thing for Prince Harry in all of this is that his life's work and all the money he was able to pump into Lesotho and Botswana through his work has gone down in flames." The co-founders publicly fell out with Dr Chandauka, a Zimbabwe-born lawyer, who was selected to be chair of the trustees last year. The bitter feud appeared to be triggered by the move to transfer the youth charity's fundraising operation to Africa. Advertisement Harry always throws toys out of pram - latest charity move is childish Board of trustees chair Dr Chandauka said the 'toxicity' of Harry's brand since his move to live in the US had seen a drop in donors. The decision had caused several key figures to quit the organisation. The Charity Commission said chances were missed to settle differences at Sentebale. A probe was launched after Harry and Prince Seeiso stood down in support of trustees. Advertisement Dr Chandauka slammed the 'adverse media campaign' launched by those who resigned, which she said had 'caused incalculable damage' to the charity. She said: "The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned in March has caused incalculable damage. "We are emerging not just grateful to have survived, but stronger: more focused, better governed, boldly ambitious and with our dignity intact. "To all who believe in our mission: please walk with us as Sentebale recovers, renews, and rises to meet the hopes and expectations of the next generation." Advertisement David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said the public feud risked overshadowing Sentebale's achievements. He added: "Passion for a cause is the bedrock of volunteering and charity, delivering positive impact for millions of people here at home and abroad every day. "However, in the rare cases when things go wrong, it is often because that very passion has become a weakness rather than a strength. "Sentebale's problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity's reputation. Advertisement "It risks overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardising the charity's ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve." The regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity. But it acknowledged 'the strong perception of ill treatment' felt by some involved. The Duke of Sussex has been approached for comment. Advertisement 5 Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho both quit the charity they set up in 2006 Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
07-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Prince Harry ‘condemns' Sentebale charity boss for using Diana's memory in ‘poorest possible taste' after ‘bullying' row
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PRINCE Harry has accused the Sentebale boss of acting in the "poorest taste" after he walked away from the charity, sources claim. The Duke slammed Dr Sophie Chanduaka after she referenced his late mother Princess Diana in the wake of their bitter "bullying" row. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The Duke of Sussex accused Sentebale chief Dr Sophie Chanduaka of acting in the 'poorest taste' Credit: Getty 5 The Charity Commission said chances were missed to settle differences at Sentebale Credit: Getty 5 The Duke is said to be 'devastated' that his late mother was referenced by Chandauka Credit: Getty - Contributor Harry, 40, set up the charity in 2006 in memory of Diana for young people and kids living with HIV and Aids. But he stepped down from his position - alongside co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho - in March following a public fall out with Dr Chandauka. Yesterday, it was revealed that the prince was walking away from the charity after a damning report accused him of "harming" its reputation. The investigation rebuked "all parties", but judged that Dr Chandauka could remain in place as chair of trustees with the current board. In response, she hailed the ruling and pointed to the co-founders' mothers, who inspired the creation of the organisation. She said: "Despite the recent turbulence, we will always be inspired by the vision of our founders, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, who established Sentebale in memory of their precious mothers, Princess Diana and Queen 'Mamohato. The Duke is said to be "devastated" that his late mother was referenced by Chandauka, who he has accused of destroying his "life's work". Speaking to The Telegraph, a source close to Harry said: "For Sophie Chandauka to have invoked Princess Diana's memory in her own defence was in the poorest possible taste. "She's got what she wants, which is control of the charity, but unfortunately the people who suffer most out of all of this… are the children of Lesotho and Botswana. 'The most devastating thing for Prince Harry in all of this is that his life's work and all the money he was able to pump into Lesotho and Botswana through his work has gone down in flames." The co-founders publicly fell out with Dr Chandauka, a Zimbabwe-born lawyer, who was selected to be chair of the trustees last year. The bitter feud appeared to be triggered by the move to transfer the youth charity's fundraising operation to Africa. Harry always throws toys out of pram - latest charity move is childish Board of trustees chair Dr Chandauka said the 'toxicity' of Harry's brand since his move to live in the US had seen a drop in donors. The decision had caused several key figures to quit the organisation. The Charity Commission said chances were missed to settle differences at Sentebale. A probe was launched after Harry and Prince Seeiso stood down in support of trustees. Dr Chandauka slammed the 'adverse media campaign' launched by those who resigned, which she said had 'caused incalculable damage' to the charity. She said: "The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned in March has caused incalculable damage. "We are emerging not just grateful to have survived, but stronger: more focused, better governed, boldly ambitious and with our dignity intact. "To all who believe in our mission: please walk with us as Sentebale recovers, renews, and rises to meet the hopes and expectations of the next generation." David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said the public feud risked overshadowing Sentebale's achievements. He added: "Passion for a cause is the bedrock of volunteering and charity, delivering positive impact for millions of people here at home and abroad every day. "However, in the rare cases when things go wrong, it is often because that very passion has become a weakness rather than a strength. "Sentebale's problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity's reputation. "It risks overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardising the charity's ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve." The regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity. But it acknowledged 'the strong perception of ill treatment' felt by some involved. The Duke of Sussex has been approached for comment. 5 Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho both quit the charity they set up in 2006 Credit: Getty
