Reputation takes fresh hit as Sentebale scandal sparks backlash and regulatory probe
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are under renewed public scrutiny following a major controversy involving Sentebale, the charity Harry co-founded in 2006 to support HIV-affected communities in southern Africa.
The scandal erupted after Dr. Sophie Chandauka, chair of Sentebale, accused the Duke of Sussex of “harassment and bullying at scale” during a recent appearance on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive Show. She alleged that Harry had tried for months to remove her from her position and pressured donors against her because she refused to publicly defend Meghan Markle.
Harry and several trustees recently stepped down from the charity, triggering a wave of criticism and prompting the Charity Commission to open a regulatory compliance case into concerns surrounding the organisation’s leadership.
Royal commentator Phil Dampier described the development as “catastrophic,” noting, “Their reputation is already fairly low, but to have a Black woman who leads your charity accuse you of behaviour that others have claimed before — it couldn’t get much worse, really.”
Commentator Samara Gill echoed that sentiment, saying, “They aren’t becoming a toxic brand — they are.” She highlighted Dr. Chandauka’s credibility, noting her professional background at Meta and her career as a prominent solicitor.
Meanwhile, the backlash has taken a dark turn. Dr. Chandauka reportedly faced online abuse from some Sussex supporters, leading her to shut down her Twitter account after being targeted with racist slurs and conspiracy theories.
As the regulatory review proceeds, the scandal is likely to cast a lasting shadow over the Sussexes' charitable image and ongoing public perception.
