The main article's in the Times, but unfortunately it's behind a paywall. It serms that the chairperson of the Board has fallen out with everyone else, leading them all to resign, and that Harry's resigned in support of them.
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shady lady
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Found an archived version:
‘Devastated’ Prince Harry leaves his own charity in solidarity with b…
archived 25 Mar 2025 21:42:19 UTC
From The Times article.Found an archived version:
‘Devastated’ Prince Harry leaves his own charity in solidarity with b…
archived 25 Mar 2025 21:42:19 UTCarchive.ph
From the Guardian and the Sun:
www.theguardian.com
www.thesun.co.uk
"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
Prince Harry resigns ‘in shock’ from African charity he founded in 2006
Duke of Sussex and co-founder of Sentebale step down as patrons amid infighting in the organisation
www.theguardian.com
Prince Harry quits his own charity in 'bullying' row with board chair
PRINCE Harry has made the “devastating” decision to resign from his charity after “unthinkable infighting” with the board chair, it is understood. The Duke of Sussex, 40, se…
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.
Sophie Chandauka - Wikipedia
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It looks like the chair is either on to something or causing quite a stir but if the high court is siding with her, it must be more than just a whim of one person.
And yes, the ‘resigning until further notice’ is fishy. Either you resign or you don’t but once you resign it is not up to you to decide to be reinstated as patrons whenever you wish.
And yes, the ‘resigning until further notice’ is fishy. Either you resign or you don’t but once you resign it is not up to you to decide to be reinstated as patrons whenever you wish.
But this is Harry, so of course it's up to him. He is the founder of this charity and the son of the king of England. If he thought he can demand the late Queen (and the RF) of his half-in half-out and tell the RAVEC and the Met that he knows better than them about his security, why wouldn't he think he can do whatever he please with a charity he founded?
Whatever the ins and outs of this fighting in the boardroom and now out of it, this is undoubtedly a sad day for Harry and for Prince Seeiso, who, let’s not forget, co-founded Sentebale in memory of their dead mothers. They have both worked and donated to this charity for a very long time, since Harry was 19 in fact. They wouldn’t have resigned for nothing but they BOTH felt that it was impossible in the current circumstances for them to stay.
Why is Sophie describing herself in her statement as ‘a proud African’? Isn’t Prince Seeiso also a ‘proud African’? Surely she doesn’t have to bring her race into this debate.
Harry co-founded this charity with the very best of intentions and Sentebale has helped countless children and adults on the African continent with AIDS treatments, education and other issues.
Why is Sophie describing herself in her statement as ‘a proud African’? Isn’t Prince Seeiso also a ‘proud African’? Surely she doesn’t have to bring her race into this debate.
Harry co-founded this charity with the very best of intentions and Sentebale has helped countless children and adults on the African continent with AIDS treatments, education and other issues.
Tatiana Maria
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The board chair simply states that the High Court of England and Wales "issue[d] an emergency injunction to prevent the same Trustees from removing her as the Chair of the Board", so given the very limited information in the public domain, it is at least a possibility for now that the court case may have merely dealt with (for example) whether the trustees followed proper procedure to dismiss the chair, rather than being about whatever substantive issue instigated the fight between the chair and the trustees in the first place.
Thank you for that clarification of the High Court injunction, Tatiana Maria. And why, one might ask, did the entire Board of Trustees, which includes Mark Dyer (Harry’s lifelong friend,) but NOT the Princes who are active Patrons, want the Chair’s resignation?
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I think the simple answer is “we don’t know and probably won’t for a while.”
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I agree that it must be a sad day for both princes. It must be tough to symbolically resign (but not officially it seems) as a patron of the charity you founded - quite different from an organization you joined at a later point in time.
I hope the truth will come to light independent of the powerful positions some trustees may have (because unfortunately, in practice many people do defer to royals -or those that are considered their representatives- not necessarily because of their arguments but because if their status). So, it is an uphill fight for the chair, whether her arguments are fair or not.
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I haven't been online since that post, but thankfully our fellow members have been able to add further information in the meantime
Meanwhile the Duchess of Sussex is supporting the Alliance of Moms by wearing one of their t-shirts:
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on Instagram: "Proudly supporting @allianceofmoms and the powerful work they do to support moms and their children Well done @_heartmom_, for your selfless love of so many — the world is better with you in it ❤️"
meghan on March 25, 2025: "Proudly supporting @allianceofmoms and the powerful work they do to support moms and their children Well done @_heartmom_, for your selfless love of so many — the world is better with you in it ❤️".
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I don’t see anything wrong with her mentioning that she’s a proud African.
As far as bringing race into it, since she has accused the charity of misogynoir (hating Black women), her race is very much relevant to the debate.
The allegations she’s made against the charity are pretty serious. Whatever happened (or didn’t), I hope the truth comes out.
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In professional African black woman with a degree this means "they are pushing me out because they do not like that I am educated, serious about my work and mission and not phased by their perceived power".From the Guardian and the Sun:
Prince Harry resigns ‘in shock’ from African charity he founded in 2006
Duke of Sussex and co-founder of Sentebale step down as patrons amid infighting in the organisation
Prince Harry quits his own charity in 'bullying' row with board chair
PRINCE Harry has made the “devastating” decision to resign from his charity after “unthinkable infighting” with the board chair, it is understood. The Duke of Sussex, 40, se…
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.
Sophie Chandauka - Wikipedia
Given Harry's track record and lack of attention to details and understanding of many things, I am pretty sure she is right. I assume the board of trustees are merely siding with him because of who he is, as a founder and son of The King.
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Hallo girl
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With all due respect what difference does Mark Dyer make, other than a long life friend of Harry. It doesn't matter who resigned, they all did. They wanted her out for whatever reason and she is not standing by , she is fighting back.
We have no idea why . at the moment anyway. I would have thought they liked what she had to say when they gave her the job, they obviously do not like what she is trying to do.
Let us wait and see what happens next. Once all the facts are available.
I must admit an influencer would not make me buy something ( probably couldn't afford it ) but I cannot say that I have not looked something up after I have seen something on the TV, I do not do instagram stuff. So yes there will be people who will like what Meghan wears and will buy it, it comes down to where the market lies for her. Is Meghan turning into ' Del Boy ' .
muriel
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The model seems to be to sell other people's clothes for a commission, or for a fee. So yes, to some extent, Meghan is now a sales agent. A slightly different place from where she was for about 18 months, from May 2018 onwards!
shady lady
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Don't be giving her ideas...next it will be Californian tap water sold as "Montecito Spring"!!!
Hallo girl
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Classic
She just did a story to kill the rumours of a rift with Gwyneth.
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Hallo girl
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That is all correct, could I ask what is wrong with calling herself a proud African, I do not understand your context . I am sure everybody on here is proud of their country not always their government but that can be changed.
There is a little bit more information on the BBC News site today.
Apparently the chair reported the board of trustees to the UK Charity Commission for "abuse of power" and "harassment". Prince Harry says he is resigning "in solidarity with the board of trustees".
We don't know the facts, but, if the board is indeed in the wrong as the chairwoman claims, it could be potentially embarassing for Prince Harry, as he appears to have sided with the trustees.
These quotes from the chair are quite interesting, although we should take them with caution as they are only one side of the story (I understand the other side disputes this interpretation of the facts).
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And I saw that a new board of trustees was already appointed so she did her job well.
As a lawyer, I am 100% sure she wouldn't use the law without making sure she has grounds to do so. Furthermore, instead of resigning to her, this letter was shared letter with The Times. A Sentebale spoke person said they were not aware. That's quite low of Harry but he did the same with his own family for the half in/half out and didn't give any notice.
As a lawyer, I am 100% sure she wouldn't use the law without making sure she has grounds to do so. Furthermore, instead of resigning to her, this letter was shared letter with The Times. A Sentebale spoke person said they were not aware. That's quite low of Harry but he did the same with his own family for the half in/half out and didn't give any notice.
Agreed on taking her statement with caution.
I too thought her statement was interesting but while it is just her view, it is noteworthy that Harry and the other trustees first syndicated their view knowing they can control the narrative with Harry's profile. It was an intimidation tactic that backfired. I find it sketchy that they didn't publish their statement nor send their resignation notices to the charity. They went straight to the Times who framed the issue positively for Harry and the other trustees. She obviously moved quickly, formed a new Board then provided her statement to the Sun and the Guardian. I don't think that what was Harry and the other Trustees were expecting. They first provided their side and she has countered with her own version.
I'm team no one till all the facts are revealed. Even then, not really my cup of tea. Still, I'm enjoying a group of powerful old boy network cronies being outsmarted by a strong, capable and accomplished woman who is not prepared to take any crap from them or be cowed by 'royalty'. Harry and his mates are getting a taste of what an 'empowered woman with a voice' can do. The very constituents he claims to be committed to championing.
I agree on waiting on the full facts before passing judgment, but, from a purely PR point of view, it might look really bad for Harry to side with his rich white friends against an accomplished African woman. And that could potentially spill over to Meghan too if she backs Harry.
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The BBC called them the "UK Charity Commission", see the link. I guess their professional standards are no longer what they used to be!Just to be pedantic
Au contraire, it would be Eau de la Riviera Américaine.Don't be giving her ideas...next it will be Californian tap water sold as "Montecito Spring"!!!
The BBC is in a long slow decline. They often refer to The King as "king Charles". As if there was more than one king in Britain & we need to differentiate between them.
It's a not so subtle reflection of a lack of respect for the monarchy from some quarters at the Beeb. They seldom referred to the late queen as queen Elizabeth. It was just The Queen.
Accusations and resignations mark remarkable 24 hours at charity founded by Prince Harry
What a mess. Surely both sides could have handled this more professionally instead of this media war because in the end, it's the charity (and whoever they potentially can help) who will suffer.
What a mess. Surely both sides could have handled this more professionally instead of this media war because in the end, it's the charity (and whoever they potentially can help) who will suffer.
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