Prince Harry’s Sentebale exit is far from over, according to a royal commentator, as the charity has been rocked by scandal.
Earlier this week, Harry resigned from Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded in 2006 in memory of his mother, Princess Diana.
The Duke of Sussex's departure comes amid serious allegations of bullying, harassment, sexism and racism within the organisation.
This charity position was one of Harry's last personal patronages since stepping back as a working royal in 2020.
Prince Harry’s Sentebale exit ‘far from over’ as charity rocked by scandal
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Gareth Russell, the author of The Palace: From the Tudors to the Windsors, 500 Years of Royal History at Hampton Court, spoke exclusively to GB News about the implications of this surprising resignation.
The allegations were made by the organisation's chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, against unnamed board members.
Dr Chandauka has spoken out about "poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir and the cover-up that ensued".
Russell noted: "We have seen statements and counter-statements already from both sides of this debate."
Dr Sophie Chandauka has refused to step down as the chair of SentebalePAWhen asked how Harry's resignation will affect the duke going forward, Russell said: "I suppose it really will depend on how the matter is resolved."
He added: "Any impact it will have on the Duke of Sussex will depend on how things resolve themselves, and it doesn't seem like a resolution in terms of the two sides, different versions of what happened, is close.
"This could continue as a debate as a source of tension for quite some time."
Regarding the charity's future, Russell expressed uncertainty: "Again, I think for the charity, it really depends on if there is any resolution between the two sides."
Harry stepped down in solidarity with the entire board of trustees following an irreparable breakdown in relations with Dr ChandaukaGettyHowever, he does see potential hope: "Dr Chandauka's statement is very clear, and that means that there is very much potentially a future for the charity."
Russell acknowledged the unfortunate situation for an organisation with such worthy aims.
"It was a charity that had such a noble mission. So, of course, it's sad when any charity ends up in a position like this, particularly one that had very tangible motivation for good."
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Prince Harry spoke about his love for Africa and Diana's HIV work GettyDr Chandauka's full statement was unequivocal about her experience: "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 cover-up 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."
Russell concluded that a swift resolution to the controversy appears unlikely: "In terms of this being a resolved issue any time soon, I doubt that."
Gareth Russell's new book, Queen James: A New History About the Life and Loves of Britain’s First King, James Stuart, is available to buy now.
