Duke of Sussex under pressure as Sentebale scandal deepens and tensions surface
Prince Harry’s emotional decision to step down from his longtime patronage Sentebale has sparked speculation over whether Meghan Markle played a role in the fallout, as the charity’s internal feud continues to unfold publicly.
The Duke of Sussex, who co-founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso in memory of his mother, Princess Diana, has found himself at the center of a controversy involving the charity’s chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. The situation intensified following the resignation of multiple trustees and the opening of a regulatory compliance case by the Charity Commission.
While Harry issued a statement supporting the departing trustees and criticising Chandauka for taking legal action to retain her position, the conflict has taken a personal turn. Chandauka has accused the Duke of “bullying” and “harassment,” claiming he tried to oust her after she refused to publicly defend Meghan against rumours of internal tension.
According to The Telegraph, the dispute dates back over a year, when a member of Harry’s team asked Chandauka to deny speculation of a rift between her and the Duchess. When she declined, Harry reportedly contacted her directly, sending a message described as “unpleasant” and “imperious.”
The controversy has reignited questions about the influence Meghan may have had over Harry’s decision to walk away from Sentebale, a charity he once described as deeply personal. Some royal watchers now believe the Duke may have sacrificed the patronage to shield Meghan from further scrutiny.
As investigations continue and more details emerge, Harry remains hopeful that the Charity Commission’s findings will bring clarity—though the cost of stepping away from Sentebale may be felt for years to come.
