Prince Harry Faces Backlash Over Alleged Sentebale Incident Amid Claims of Hypocrisy on Bullying

Prince Harry is under fire as allegations of harassment and bullying against the chairwoman of his charity, Sentebale, surface. Dr. Sophie Chandauka claims Harry sent her an "unpleasant" message after a disagreement, fueling concerns about his treatment of colleagues. This controversy comes as a stark contrast to Harry's vocal stance against bullying, particularly regarding his wife, Meghan Markle. As the Charity Commission investigates these claims, many wonder if Harry's reputation as an advocate for kindness and integrity is at risk.

Background on Prince Harry's Sentebale Involvement

Prince Harry's connection with the charity Sentebale runs deep, intertwining both his personal history and his passion for humanitarian work. Co-founded in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, the organization focuses on providing essential resources and support to some of the most vulnerable children in Southern Africa. Over the years, Sentebale has been a cornerstone of Harry's philanthropic endeavors, but recent allegations have cast a shadow over this once-celebrated affiliation.

The Purpose Behind Sentebale

Sentebale's mission is clear: to aid children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. The charity focuses on improving access to healthcare, education, and psychosocial support. At its heart, Sentebale seeks to empower the next generation, helping young people break stigmas and lead healthier, more informed lives.

Prince Harry’s role in Sentebale’s creation was fueled by his time spent in Lesotho during a 2004 gap year. Witnessing firsthand the toll of the HIV epidemic left a lasting impression on Harry, inspiring him to join forces with Prince Seeiso to address these challenges. The name "Sentebale," which translates to "Forget-Me-Not" in Sesotho, serves not only as a tribute to Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, but also as a reminder to care for those society often neglects. For more about the charity’s continuing work, visit Sentebale’s official website.

Prince Harry's Relationship with Sentebale Before the Controversy

Before recent allegations, Prince Harry was a committed advocate for Sentebale and its mission. Over the years, he participated actively in events that raised funds and awareness for the charity’s cause. The annual Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup became a hallmark, drawing international attention and significant donations from generous patrons.

Harry’s involvement wasn’t limited to fundraising; he also met directly with children impacted by HIV/AIDS, aiming to deepen global understanding of the epidemic. Through public appearances and speeches, he consistently championed the organization’s efforts and encouraged global leaders to prioritize support for vulnerable communities. News outlets like BBC have highlighted his efforts to amplify the voices of those the charity serves, reinforcing his dedication to making a change.

By 2015, the charity opened a flagship facility in Lesotho, outfitted to provide medical and emotional care. Harry’s leadership was central to these milestones, as was his commitment to honoring his mother’s legacy of compassion. He often noted how his mother’s humanitarian spirit inspired his own drive to make a difference—a sentiment echoed in landmarks and projects spearheaded under Sentebale, as covered by Town & Country Magazine.

Through polo matches, meetings with policymakers, and direct work with children, Harry’s relationship with Sentebale was, for many years, a shining example of meaningful philanthropy. However, recent events have placed scrutiny on his methods, and questions about his leadership style are threatening to overshadow what was once an unblemished legacy.

Details of the Alleged Incident and Leaked Message

As new details emerge about Prince Harry's involvement in recent events surrounding his charity, Sentebale, much debate has been sparked. Allegations of misconduct combined with a leaked message have cast shadows over his role as a leader and his staunch stance on workplace bullying. Here's a closer look at the claims.

What Allegedly Happened at the Polo Event

In April 2024, Sentebale hosted a charity polo event that should have been a cause for celebration. However, the event reportedly turned sour due to Meghan Markle's unplanned attendance. Meghan's appearance led to perceived tensions with Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chairwoman of Sentebale. According to sources, Meghan's unorthodox behavior on stage created discomfort, making headlines about her apparent need for control. Footage from a polo outing suggests Meghan took charge in an unexpected manner, leaving insiders uneasy.

What's more, Meghan’s actions reportedly led Dr. Chandauka to decline requests from Harry’s team to speak out publicly in her defense. Sources claim this refusal sparked Prince Harry’s allegedly “imperious” response to the chairwoman, setting off a chain of damaging events for the charity’s previously pristine reputation. For further context on the event, Daily Mail provides an outline of how these unpleasant encounters unfolded.

Key Allegations Against Prince Harry

Dr. Chandauka’s claims extend beyond the tensions at the polo event. She has alleged significant concerns, including:

• Harassment: Chandauka has accused Prince Harry of inappropriate communication, claiming he sent her an abrasive and overbearing message after the event.
• Bullying: Chandauka alleges that Harry's conduct reflects a pattern inconsistent with the inclusive values that Sentebale champions.
• Interference in Investigations: Adding fuel to the fire, there are claims suggesting Harry attempted to influence internal charity matters, creating new internal conflicts.

These accusations coincide with Chandauka’s broader critique of the charity itself. She has pointed to misogyny and systemic bullying within Sentebale — claims Harry, as a founder and figurehead, has vehemently denied. The New York Post goes into further detail about these allegations and their ongoing repercussions.

The Content and Significance of the Leaked Message

At the heart of the controversy is an alleged message sent by Prince Harry to Dr. Chandauka, which insiders have described as “unpleasant” and “imperious” in tone. While the exact contents of the message remain undisclosed, leaked snippets imply it was a scolding reprimand that bordered on harassment. Harry’s choice of words and the implied authority are at odds with his public image as a mental health advocate and vocal critic of bullying.

Internally, the message has raised serious concerns. Many within Sentebale reportedly feel the incident has eroded trust and showcased a gap between the charity's values and Harry's actions. Publicly, it has allowed critics to highlight what they see as hypocrisy on Harry’s part, particularly given his outspoken defense of Meghan Markle in past accusations of bullying. An article from Sky News explores how these revelations contribute to growing disapproval among both supporters and detractors.

This incident reinforces the pressure Harry faces in balancing his personal relationships and public commitments. Could this moment be the tipping point that redefines his public legacy? Only time will tell as both the allegations and the leaked message continue to make waves.