The chairperson of a charity set up by Prince Harry has accused him of “harassment and bullying at scale”, following Harry’s departure from the organisation earlier this week.
Sentebale is a charity aimed at supporting children and adolescents with a HIV diagnosis, which was first launched in 2006 by Harry alongside Prince Seeiso of Lestotho in honour of Harry’s late-mother Princess Diana.
In an interview with Sky News, Dr. Sophie Chandauka stated that Harry “authorised the release of a damaging piece of news” without informing Chandauka or other charity members.
Chandauka has been working at the charity since 2009. (Source: Getty Images)
“The only reason I’m here is because at some point on Tuesday, Prince Harry authorised the release of a damaging piece of news to the outside world without informing me or my country directors, or my executive director,” Chandauka said.
“And can you imagine what that attack has done for me, on me and the 540 individuals in the Sentebale organisations and their family?
“That is an example of harassment and bullying at scale.”
Chandauka’s comments stem from a joint statement made by Harry and Seeiso on Tuesday that announced the pair were departing from Sentebale. Chandauka also reported the charity’s trustees, Harry and Seeiso, to the Charity Commission, stating that she had “blown the whistle” over issues related to abuse of power, bullying, and misogynoir.
Harry and Seeiso launched the charity in 2006 together. (Source: Getty Images)
Harry and Seeiso stated that the relationship between them and Chandauka “broke down beyond repair”.
“With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as Patrons of the organisation until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same,” the statement read.
“It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation.
“What’s transpired is unthinkable. We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries, so we will be sharing all of our concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about.”
In a separate interview with The Financial Times, Chandauka mentioned that she had felt “tension” with Harry for a year.
Chandauka felt “tension” with Harry for a year. (Source: Getty Images)
A representative for Chandauka also told PEOPLE that Harry’s joint statement was “untrue” and “defamatory”.
“When we are ready as an organization, we will share more detail regarding the events leading up to this point,” the statement said.
“Moreover, the Board acts collectively on major decisions, and it would be inappropriate to assume decisions were made by any one person.
“Legal action was taken because of the cover-up of issues relating to abuse of power, misconduct, mismanagement, bullying, harassment, misogyny and misogynoir amongst other concerns.”
Harry and Seeiso have not publicly responded to Chandauka’s claims.
