By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-04-03 12:30:57 | Updated at 2025-04-04 08:24:02
20 hours ago
The Charity Commission has opened a case into "concerns raised" about the Sentebale charity following Prince Harry's resignation as patron last week.
The Duke of Sussex stepped down amid an escalating boardroom dispute with chairwoman Sophie Chandauka.
This development marks the latest chapter in a growing feud between the charity's co-founder and its current leadership.
The investigation comes after allegations of "harassment and bullying" were levelled against the prince, claims that have reportedly left him in "total shock".
The Charity Commission has opened a case into "concerns raised" about the Sentebale charity following Prince Harry's resignation as patron last week.
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Alex Rayner, who attended Eton with Harry and joined him on a 2012 North Pole expedition, claims to have spoken with the duke over the weekend.
Rayner said the 40-year-old prince is "shocked" by the accusations and "feels as if he has had one of his fingers cut off".
He insisted Harry was "very happy" for him to "speak for him about how he feels".
Ms Chandauka has alleged the duke tried to "eject" her through "bullying" and "harassment".
A source close to former trustees dismissed her comments as a "publicity stunt".
Rayner told MailOnline: "He is just beyond heartbroken and flabbergasted that the charity he founded as a teenager has been taken hostage by the chair."
"It feels tantamount to a hostile takeover. He is so upset and hurt and wounded about the things that are being said about him," he added.
Rayner suggested Harry remains undecided about his next steps, saying: "I think it's too early to tell whether he will just walk away now or whether he might try and get it back."
He also claimed the allegations stemmed from Chandauka's jealousy of Meghan Markle.
Reports suggest Harry sent an "unpleasant" and "imperious" message to Ms Chandauka after she refused to publicly address rumours of a rift with Meghan.
The Telegraph claimed a member of Harry's team had asked Ms Chandauka to issue a statement quashing speculation about tensions with the Duchess of Sussex.
When she declined, the duke reportedly contacted her directly.
Sources told the newspaper that Harry demanded she "explain herself" in a note described as "unpleasant" in tone and using "imperious" language.
During the prize-giving ceremony at a Sentebale fundraising polo match in Miami last April, an awkward moment unfolded.
The Duchess of Sussex appeared to choreograph who stood next to Harry.
Ms Chandauka moved from beside the duke to Meghan's side, ducking under the trophy in what observers described as an uncomfortable exchange.
This incident reportedly contributed to the growing tensions between the charity's leadership and the duke.
The alleged positioning dispute has been cited as one example of the deteriorating relationship between the parties.
The duke founded Sentebale in honour of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
The charity was established to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids.
The organisation has faced internal turmoil in recent months.
Several trustees have reportedly left Sentebale amid the dispute with Ms Chandauka.
Sources indicate that trustees had requested Chandauka's resignation before the recent escalation involving Prince Harry.
The charity's name means "forget me not" in Sesotho, chosen to honour both founders' mothers.
