Prince Harry resigned as a patron of Sentebale despite once vowing he would never walk away from the African charity he created in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana
Prince Harry is said to «be reeling» after the charity he co-founded issued a cutting rebuke following news the duke had decided to stand down from the organisation.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, sensationally resigned as patron of Sentebale – a charity he set up in his late mother Princess Diana’s memory. He said he was devastated to do so, but cited a «broken» relationship for the reason for the move. However, the Chair of the Board slammed the royal on Wednesday, issuing a thinly-veiled jibe at Harry.
And a source, who has known the prince since he created the African charity in 2006, said: «There’s no way of sugar-coating the damage of this, regardless of who’s in the right. He’ll be reeling.» Prince Harry, however, has not commented publically on the stinging rebuke, in which Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE, Chair of the Board, refers to people who «play the victim card and use the very press they disdain, to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct».
While Harry isn’t named in the scathing statement, the source believes the royal will be furious at the words and their narrative. Their reaction comes as Ingrid Seward, a royal biographer, told us Harry will be «crushed» – but will vow to carry out more philanthropic work in Africa regardless.
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The Duke of Sussex’s bombshell is a shocking U-turn from his comments during a visit to the charity while on a trip to South Africa last year. During which, the father of two said Sentebale was «making a massive difference» with its projects.
And, nearly 20 years ago after launching Sentebale, Harry had said he was «committed for the rest of my life» to the project. The young prince, hoping to continue his mother’s legacy, told reporters: «You’ll be surprised. Come back to this place in 25 years, you’ll see a massive difference… As far as I’m concerned, I’m committed for the rest of my life.»
But after the duke quit on Tuesday, the charity – which helps children and adolescents struggle to come to terms with their HIV and AIDS diagnosis – suggested «people in the field» were more important than its trustees.
Dr Chandauka said: «There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people. Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organisation, its mission, and the young people we serve.
«My actions are guided by the principles of fairness and equitable treatment for all, regardless of social status or financial means. There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people, and then play the victim card and use the very press they disdain to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct.»
As reported by Mail Online, she also claimed she had reported trustees to the Charity Commission and that the High Court had issued an emergency injunction to prevent her removal.
Dr Chandauka added: «Beneath all the victim narrative and fiction that has been syndicated to press is the story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir – and the cover-up that ensued.
«I could be anyone. I just happen to be an educated woman who understands that the law will guide and protect me. I will say nothing further on this matter at this time.»
