Prince Harry has broken his silence following the announcement of an official investigation into his charity Sentebale, expressing both heartbreak and determination to clear his name. The Duke of Sussex, who founded the organization nearly two decades ago with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, described recent events as “heartbreaking to witness,” particularly the impact on vulnerable children in Southern Africa who rely on the charity’s support.
The investigation comes amid explosive allegations from former chairwoman Sophie Chandauka, who claims Harry engaged in bullying behavior during a dispute over her refusal to publicly deny rumors of tension with Meghan Markle. Sources close to the situation describe a particularly awkward incident at a Miami polo fundraiser last April, where Meghan appeared to orchestrate seating arrangements, resulting in Chandauka being physically repositioned during the event.
Behind the scenes, the conflict reportedly escalated when Harry personally contacted Chandauka after she declined requests from his team to issue a statement dismissing speculation about friction with the Sussexes. Insiders characterize the exchange as tense, with the prince demanding an explanation for her refusal. This confrontation followed months of internal turmoil that saw several trustees depart the organization.
Harry maintains these allegations are “blatant lies” that ultimately forced his resignation as patron. In his statement, he welcomed the Charity Commission’s involvement, expressing confidence it would reveal the truth while emphasizing his primary concern remains the welfare of Sentebale’s beneficiaries. The charity, whose name means “forget me not” in Sesotho, was established in memory of both princes’ mothers and has focused on supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa.
As the investigation begins, questions linger about the future of the organization Harry once considered one of his most meaningful legacies. The Duke’s statement suggests he hopes the probe will quickly resolve the situation to minimize disruption to the charity’s vital work, even as he steps away from an institution that had been central to his philanthropic identity for nearly twenty years.
