Harry accused of 'playing the victim' in charity row

The chair of a charity in Africa set up by Prince Harry has appeared to criticise the royal for "playing the victim card" after he quit as patron amid a boardroom battle.

- JABED AHMED

Prince Harry founded Sentebale nearly two decades ago with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids.

Dr Sophie Chandauka has now hit back at the duke, saying she has been targeted because she "blew the whistle" on "abuse of power, bullying, harassment [and] misogyny" within the charity.

Several trustees have left the organisation, along with Harry and Prince Seeiso, having requested Dr Chandauka's resignation.

Dr Chandauka was appointed chair of the organisation last year. The trustees were reportedly unhappy with the decision and wanted her to step down, prompting her to sue.

The dispute arose around a decision to focus fundraising in Africa, according to The Times. The chair also claimed she had reported trustees to the Charity Commission and that the High Court had issued an emergency injunction to prevent her removal.

A Charity Commission spokesperson for England and Wales said: "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."

The Independent understands the Charity Commission has yet to make any findings on the claims. In a joint statement, the duke and Prince Seeiso backed the departing trustees and said they had resigned as patrons until further notice.

They said: "Nearly 20 years ago, we founded Sentebale in honour of our mothers. Sentebale means 'forget-me-not' in Sesotho, the local language of Lesotho, and it's what we've always promised for the young people we've served through this charity.