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Prince Harry’s charity scandal: Allegations of bullying and toxic branding
In a shocking turn of events, Prince Harry’s charity, Sentebale, is embroiled in controversy as its chairwoman, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, has accused the Duke of Sussex of “harassment and bullying” on a grand scale.
This accusation comes after Harry’s abrupt resignation from the charity he co-founded in 2006, aimed at supporting young people affected by AIDS in southern Africa. The fallout from this situation raises questions about the brand image of the royal family and the future of the charity.
Allegations of a toxic environment
Chandauka’s claims highlight a troubling narrative surrounding Prince Harry’s involvement with Sentebale. She alleges that Harry unleashed his public relations team to damage her reputation without prior notice, creating a hostile environment for her and the charity’s staff.
“The only reason I’m here is because at some point on Tuesday, Prince Harry authorized the release of a damaging piece of news to the outside world without informing me or my country directors,” she stated in an interview. This incident has not only affected her personally but has also impacted the 540 individuals connected to the organization.
Response from former trustees
In response to Chandauka’s allegations, a source close to the former trustees of Sentebale dismissed her claims as “completely baseless.” They emphasized that the trustees had anticipated this publicity stunt and made their collective decision to resign for the charity’s benefit.
The source also mentioned that the trustees look forward to the truth being revealed, suggesting that there may be more to this story than meets the eye.
The impact on Sentebale’s future
Chandauka’s accusations extend beyond personal grievances; she claims that Prince Harry poses a significant risk to the charity’s reputation.
She noted that several sponsors withdrew their support around the same time the Sussexes left the UK, indicating a potential backlash against the royal brand. Furthermore, she alleged that Harry attempted to pressure the charity into publicly supporting his wife, Meghan Markle, following a poorly received fundraiser. This pressure, she argues, compromises the charity’s independence and integrity.
The ongoing scrutiny of Sentebale has caught the attention of the UK Charity Commission, which is currently assessing the governance issues raised by this scandal. A spokesperson confirmed that they are aware of the concerns and are determining the appropriate regulatory steps. As the situation unfolds, the future of Sentebale and its mission to support vulnerable youth in southern Africa hangs in the balance.
