A charity insider has expressed concern about the possible leak of an aggressive message sent by Prince Harry to the chair of the Sentebale charity. The royal's communication allegedly came following a refusal to defend Meghan Markle's actions at a Florida charity polo event in April 2024, igniting allegations of hypocrisy given his historical stance against bullying.
The controversy surrounding Prince Harry intensified after his heated message to Dr. Sophie Chandauka, head of the Sentebale charity, which he co-founded, following an onstage incident involving Meghan Markle, Page Six reported.
The incident in question transpired at a charity polo match in Florida, where Meghan Markle unexpectedly joined Prince Harry on stage during a trophy presentation. This unexpected act led to some onstage reshuffling, subsequently causing public embarrassment.
According to reports, Meghan’s impromptu decision to appear on stage disrupted the planned event choreography. Dr. Chandauka described the scene, noting that the issue arose because "we had too many people on stage." This disruption set the stage for a series of escalating tensions within the charity.
Following the event, when questioned about the incident, Dr. Chandauka opted not to publicly support Meghan's actions. Her decision was strategic, aimed at preserving the charity’s independence from the personal affairs of the Sussexes. She explained that defending Meghan could implicate the charity in the royal couple's narrative, something she wished to avoid.
This choice by Chandauka not to defend Meghan led Prince Harry to reportedly send a vehement message to her, expressing his discontent. This action has been confirmed by a Sentebale representative who stated, "This is true. There is a document."
In response to the unfolding events, Dr. Chandauka accused Prince Harry of harassment and bullying on a significant scale. This accusation stands in stark contrast to Harry’s past public condemnations of similar behaviors, especially those directed at his wife by the media and public figures.
The situation escalated to the point where both Prince Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso, resigned from their positions at Sentebale last week. They took this drastic step after Dr. Chandauka refused to resign from her role as chair, amidst growing internal strife within the charity.
The fallout has led Chandauka to file a formal complaint with the UK Charities Commission, accusing the charity’s founders of "misogynoir," highlighting a complex layer of racial and gender biases intertwined with the ongoing controversy.
Amid these challenging times, Meghan Markle has ventured into new business territory with the launch of her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Inspired by the ambiance of Montecito, where the couple resides, the brand aims to encapsulate the essence of their home environment.
This business move by Meghan comes at a time when the public’s focus is intensely on her following the charity event incident. A charity insider reflected on the crisis, recalling Prince Harry’s past reactions to allegations against Meghan: “When Meghan was accused of being a bully, Harry’s world stopped,” noting how he previously took drastic measures to protect her.
The insider further commented on the potential repercussions of Harry’s message being made public, stating, “Harry should be nervous about this message coming out, especially when he has been so outspoken about his wife being bullied in the past." This sentiment underscores the delicate balance of public perception that the Sussexes must manage amidst these ongoing disputes.
A source close to the trustees and patrons of Sentebale remarked that the resignations of the charity's founders were necessary for the benefit of Sentebale's future. They remain hopeful for a fair adjudication of the facts, indicating a potential long-term desire to stabilize and refocus the charity’s mission after such public internal conflicts.
The unfolding story at Sentebale highlights the complex intersections of personal interests, public actions, and the responsibilities of individuals in positions of significant influence and power.
As the situation continues to develop, the charity, its staff, and its beneficiaries await a resolution that brings clarity and peace to the organization, ensuring its ability to continue serving its mission without further distractions.
