Prince Harry is "deeply depressed and embarrassed" over the unraveling of Sentebale, the HIV/AIDS-focused charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana. The organization is now under investigation by the U.K. Charity Commission following harassment and bullying allegations made against the Duke of Sussex by its chairwoman, Dr. Sophie Chandauka.
"He loves his charities - this is what he wants to spend his life doing and now, one of them is gone ... and in the most horrible way," a source told NewsNation's Paula Froelich.
Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support children and young people, particularly those living with HIV/AIDS. The charity has played a prominent role in Harry's philanthropic portfolio, alongside the Invictus Games and the Archewell Foundation. But recent infighting between Chandauka and the board of trustees has prompted a wave of resignations and public fallout.
"With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as Patrons of the organization until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same," Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso said in a joint statement. "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."
The rupture stems from a series of conflicts that reportedly escalated after Meghan Markle appeared unannounced at a Sentebale polo match in Miami last April. According to The Telegraph, Markle requested Chandauka move during the trophy ceremony, leading to a tense exchange. Chandauka later claimed Prince Harry sent her an "unpleasant" and "imperious" message following the event.
The controversy intensified as financial questions surfaced. The London Times reported that Chandauka spent more than $600,000 on consultants, sparking criticism over the charity's fiscal priorities. Chandauka has denied wrongdoing and maintains that the charity remains financially sound.
Harry's longtime friend and Eton classmate, Alex Raynor, spoke on his behalf to the Daily Mail. He "is so upset and hurt and wounded about the things that are being said about him," Raynor said. "The way he feels is as if he has had one of his fingers cut off."
Raynor also alleged racial tension may have contributed to the dispute, claiming, "It feels like [Chandauka] had her nose put out of joint because she was not the most important woman of color on the stage."
"H is very happy for me to speak for him about how he feels about this awful situation," Raynor continued. "He is heartbroken and flabbergasted that the charity he established as a teenager has been taken hostage by the chair."
The joint resignation statement further accused Chandauka of suing the organization "to remain in this voluntary position," which the statement claimed "further underscored the broken relationship."
Chandauka was appointed chairwoman of Sentebale in June 2023. The board of trustees later stepped down en masse following her refusal to resign. Reports suggest tensions with Markle may have exacerbated the internal rift.
Prince Harry has not commented publicly on the allegations. A spokesperson for the Duke declined to address "conjecture."
Sources close to Harry also noted his emotional state has been further strained by his father King Charles III's cancer treatment. The Daily Mail reported that Harry has remained largely confined to his Montecito home in California and is "devastated" by the King's deteriorating health.
