Prince Harry Denies Allegations Amid Charity Investigation Into Sentebale
Prince Harry has firmly rejected allegations made by the chair of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded, amid a growing controversy that has prompted an official investigation by the UK’s Charity Commission.
On April 4, The New York Post reported that Sentebale — a nonprofit founded by the Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 to support young people affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa — is under formal scrutiny following serious allegations from Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the charity’s chair since 2023.
The UK’s Charity Commission confirmed that it has opened a regulatory compliance case to investigate “serious concerns” related to governance and conduct at Sentebale. In a statement issued on April 3, the commission noted: “We are examining issues raised regarding the charity Sentebale and have been in contact with the trustees to gather evidence and assess compliance with their legal duties.”
Harry insists the accusations from Sentebale’s chairwoman are false. Photo: SplashNews.com.
Escalating Internal Conflict
The investigation comes amid intensifying internal conflict between Prince Harry, senior trustees, and Dr. Chandauka. Late last month, Prince Harry, Prince Seeiso, and the charity’s former board of trustees collectively resigned, citing strong objections to Dr. Chandauka’s continued leadership.
Dr. Chandauka, a Zimbabwe-born corporate lawyer and executive, responded with serious public allegations. Appearing on television, she accused Prince Harry of “bullying and harassment” — not only toward her but also toward Sentebale staff and their families. She also alleged that Harry’s actions had caused reputational damage to the charity during preparations for a high-profile fundraising polo match scheduled for April 2024 in Florida. According to Chandauka, the presence of a Netflix film crew during the event — part of a documentary project involving Harry and Meghan — further complicated operations and undermined the charity’s focus.
In a separate statement, she criticized the former board for what she described as a culture of harassment, abuse of power, and discrimination, particularly against women of color within the organization.
Prince Harry Responds: “Outrageous Lies”
In response to the Charity Commission’s announcement and Chandauka’s public claims, Prince Harry issued a rare and emotional statement, strongly denying the accusations.
He said he was “deeply saddened” by recent events and expressed confidence that the truth behind the internal conflict at Sentebale would soon be revealed.
“These outrageous lies have caused immense hurt to the people who have dedicated nearly two decades to building this organization,” Harry said. “The most painful part is that the ones hurt most are the young people Sentebale was created to serve.”
The Duke emphasized the mission he and Prince Seeiso envisioned when founding the organization in memory of their mothers, both of whom were known for their advocacy work related to HIV/AIDS.
“Since Sentebale’s creation, our mission has always been clear — to support vulnerable children and young people in southern Africa,” Harry continued. “On behalf of former trustees and patrons, we welcome the Charity Commission’s investigation, which we hope will provide clarity and accountability.”
Mutual Support for Investigation
Despite their public dispute, both Harry and Dr. Chandauka have welcomed the Charity Commission’s involvement. In her own statement, Dr. Chandauka said the investigation would offer much-needed reassurance to all stakeholders involved with the charity.
“We hope these actions will give the public, our colleagues, partners, supporters, donors, and the communities we serve confidence that Sentebale and its current board are acting responsibly,” she stated. “We are committed to ensuring good governance and a healthy culture that allows Sentebale to thrive.”
The Charity Commission has not commented on the specific allegations but emphasized that its priority is assessing whether the charity is being run in line with UK charity law and governance standards.
Background and Broader Implications
The Sentebale dispute is the latest in a series of public and legal challenges involving Prince Harry in recent months. From his ongoing legal battle with the UK Home Office over police protection to his lawsuits against British tabloids, Harry has increasingly found himself at the center of institutional controversy.
While his philanthropic work in Africa has generally been well received, the fallout with Sentebale highlights the growing tensions between Harry’s public life, media involvement, and the behind-the-scenes governance of the causes he champions.
Analysts have noted that the involvement of Netflix — with whom Harry and Meghan have an ongoing production deal — may have added friction, as the intersection of media projects and charity work raises ethical questions about motives and management.
The Sentebale controversy also underscores deeper debates around race, power dynamics, and modern leadership within nonprofit spaces. Dr. Chandauka’s claims of discrimination and the charity’s internal culture reflect broader conversations happening globally about equity and inclusion in legacy institutions — even those championed by progressive figures.
The Charity Commission’s investigation is ongoing, and no formal findings or disciplinary actions have been announced. However, the outcome could significantly shape the future of Sentebale — and Prince Harry’s philanthropic legacy.
Whether the inquiry clears the air or leads to further revelations, one thing is certain: the dispute has cast a shadow over an organization long associated with compassionate work for some of the world’s most vulnerable children. For now, the royal who once stood at its helm and the chair who now leads it remain on opposite sides of a bitter divide — each claiming to be fighting for the soul of Sentebale.
