Dr Sophie Chandauka, the chair of Sentebale, has issued a bombshell response after Prince Harry resigned from the charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago.
The Duke of Sussex stepped down in solidarity with the entire board of trustees following an irreparable breakdown in relations with Dr Chandauka.
The situation has now spiralled into a bitter public dispute, with Dr Chandauka making explosive allegations against the organisation.
The Zimbabwe-born lawyer, who was appointed chair last year, has refused to step down despite the board's request, creating what sources describe as an "untenable situation".
Sentebale chair issues furious response after Prince Harry's resignation: 'Not a vanity project!'
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Harry co-founded Sentebale in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The charity was established in memory of Harry's late mother, Princess Diana. Both princes confirmed they had stepped down in support of Sentebale's trustees, who recently resigned en masse.
The row reportedly stemmed from a decision to move the charity's fundraising operation to Africa. Several key figures subsequently walked away from the organisation following this restructuring.
The trustees were said to be deeply unhappy with Dr Chandauka's appointment and wanted her to step down, which prompted her to take legal action.
In a bombshell statement to the Mail, Dr Chandauka alleged there was a "cover-up" taking place at the charity. She blasted what she described as "weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir [discrimination against black women]" within the organisation.
Dr Sophie Chandauka has refused to step down as the chair of Sentebale
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Dr Chandauka also took aim at "people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people."
She claimed such individuals "then play the victim card and use the very press they disdain" when challenged. The accusations have sent shockwaves through the charity sector.
Dr Chandauka defiantly stated: "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 world-class education and career. I will not be intimidated."
The chair questioned why readers should consider her position: "Why would the Chair of the Board report her own Trustees to the Charity Commission? Why would the High Court of England and Wales accept her application to hear the matter at all if the case had no merit?"
Dr Sophie Chandauka and Prince Harry pictured in South Africa last October
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She insisted: "Because beneath all the victim narrative and fiction that has been syndicated to the press is the story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle."
According to The Times, the charity is now the subject of a Charity Commission investigation. A Commission spokesman confirmed: "We can confirm that we are aware of concerns about the governance of Sentebale. We are assessing the issues to determine the appropriate regulatory steps."
A spokesperson for Sentebale said the charity had carried out a "restructuring" of its board. This was described as "confirmation of its strategy to redeploy senior roles to be proximate to most of the team and programmes in southern Africa". The investigation adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation at the charity.
Dr Chandauka emphasised her commitment to the charity's mission despite the controversy: "Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organisation, its mission, and the young people we serve."
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Harry stepped down in solidarity with the entire board of trustees following an irreparable breakdown in relations with Dr Chandauka
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She explained her motivation: "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."
Dr Chandauka vowed to continue in her role, saying: "I will continue to faithfully perform my role as Chair of the Board." She expressed determination to focus on "fundraising for the very important work" supporting young people in Africa.
Prince Harry has sided with the trustees in the dispute, making his position clear in a statement. The Duke said the trustees had "acted in the best interest" in asking Dr Chandauka to step down.
His support for the board's position led to his resignation alongside his co-founder, Prince Seeiso. Among the trustees who resigned was Mark Dyer, described as a lifelong friend of Prince Harry.
Dr Chandauka's refusal to step down despite the request from Harry and the trustees has forced their collective resignation. The situation has left the charity in an unprecedented leadership crisis as the investigation continues.
