Prince Harry’s war of words with his former charity Sentebale shows no signs of stopping – but royal expert Jennie Bond has issued a warning ahead of any future moves
Prince Harry has been warned against making an “unwise decision” as his bitter charity row fallout continues.
The Duke of Sussex is said to have been left emotionally devastated by the events surrounding the boardroom battle that saw him leave Sentebale – a charity he co-founded in 2006.
The dispute, which prompted Harry to step down as patron in support of trustees who resigned in opposition to board chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka, was described as a “hostile takeover” by a source close to him. It comes after news that Prince Harry will ‘never be forgiven’ by two major royals despite reconciliation hope.
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The Charity Commission published a report into the episode criticising all sides for making the fallout public with interviews and statements, but the war of words has continued, with sources close to Harry hitting out at Dr Chandauka again after she referenced Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, in a statement.
With Harry stepping away from the charity for good, it has been suggested he could set up another venture to help children in Lesotho and Botswana affected by HIV/AIDs.
And royal expert Jennie Bond told the Mirror : “I think Harry will feel very wounded by the way things have turned out, but he has said – and I believe him – that he will find a different way to help the children of Lesotho and Botswana. I think it would be rather unwise to set up a rival charity, but I’m sure he will find a way to help the cause and to raise funds.”
In its report, the Charity Commission criticised all parties in the dispute for allowing it to play out publicly and described how all trustees contributed to a “missed opportunity” to resolve the issues that led to the serious disagreement, which risked undermining public trust in charities generally.
The regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity, but acknowledged “the strong perception of ill treatment” felt by some involved.
Harry’s spokesperson attacked the findings, saying the report “…falls troublingly short in many regards, primarily the fact that the consequences of the current chair’s actions will not be borne by her – but by the children who rely on Sentebale’s support”.
Sentebale appeared to suggest allegations made by Dr Chandauka of bullying, harassment and misogyny at the charity – which the commission found no evidence of – may be pursued against individuals through “avenues more appropriate”.
And former BBC royal correspondent Jennie added: “Harry is clearly fuming and believes the Commission has not addressed some central issues. But the charity is also threatening to take things further.
“I think the Prince is now even more disillusioned by the ‘establishment’ – and that includes most official channels. He is reported to believe the Charity Commission is not fit for purpose, and so any future ventures are unlikely to be under its jurisdiction.
“Sentebale was a passion for Harry and one that was closely associated with his mother, who campaigned so hard to make the world understand more about AIDS and HIV.
“When you saw him with the children, he seemed so invested in helping them, so compassionate and so full of fun as he played games with them and made them feel their world was a better place.
“He has said himself that he is devastated by the way things have turned out. It was interesting that in his resignation from the charity earlier this year, he and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso, said their decision was ‘until further notice“.
“I think Harry believed the charity commission would come down firmly on his side and oust the chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, from her position, allowing him to return as patron. Now, however, he sees the report as enabling what he calls ‘a hostile takeover’.
“Critically, the report cleared the Prince of the damaging allegations of bullying, misogyny, and misogynoir. But it was highly critical of the way Harry, and indeed Dr Chandauka, waged an angry war of words in public. Neither side has come out of this well, and both have had their wrists well and truly slapped by the commission.”