From the Guardian and the Sun:
Duke of Sussex and co-founder of Sentebale step down as patrons amid infighting in the organisation
www.theguardian.com
THE boss of Prince Harry’s charity has hit out with bombshell allegations of racism, bullying and misogyny. The Duke of Sussex, 40, set up African charity Sentebale in 2006 in memory of his m…
www.thesun.co.uk
Sophie Chandauka's full statement
Sophie Chandauka MBE told The Sun: "I chose to join Sentebale first and foremost as a proud African who understands that, in the spirit of ubuntu: to whom much is given, much is expected.
"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.
"Discerning readers will ask themselves: why would the Chair of the Board report her own Trustees to the Charity Commission?
"Why would the High Court of England and Wales hear her case and issue an emergency injunction to prevent the same Trustees from removing her as the Chair of the Board?
"Well, because 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 coverup 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.
"I have one job. I must focus on fundraising for the very important work of the young people who inspire the incredible team at Sentebale who make sacrifices daily at a time when geopolitics is severely impacting funding for development work in Africa.
"For me, this is not a vanity project from which I can resign when I am called to account.
"I am an African who has had the privilege of a worldclass education and career. I will not be intimidated.
"I must stand for something. I stand for those other women who do not have the ways and means.
"I am indebted to those who have stood by me and picked up my urgent call for help so that we can continue the mission at Sentebale.
"I will continue to faithfully perform my role as Chair of the Board, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with others who are interested in issues of health, wealth and climate resilience for young people in Africa."
Interesting statement.
Curiously, the princes said '...With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organisation
until further notice,...', did not in fact publish their statements or send their resignation to the charity, instead they shared it with the Times to syndicate, almost as if they want to control the court of public opinion rather than just resigning and walking away if that's what they want to do.
I've never heard off the concept of 'resigning until further notice' except that was meant to be an intimidation tactic? If so, It seems to be an abject failure. Sophie is no lightweight (see her wikipedia link below) and appears ready to clean house.
Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
en.wikipedia.org