Prince Harry has made his first statement following the public release of the findings from the investigation into Sentebale scandal, as the Charity Commission of the UK shares its probe results. The Commission’s investigation into Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, revealed no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment, misogyny, or misogynoir within the organization. The probe also found no “over-reach” by either the chair or Prince Harry as the patron. However, despite being cleared of wrongdoing by the Commission, Prince Harry states that the damage has already been done.
The Charity Commission emphasized that allowing the conflict within Sentebale to play out publicly, poor internal governance, and failure to resolve disputes internally severely impacted the charity’s reputation and risked undermining the public trust in charities as a whole. Prince Harry had stepped down as Sentebale’s patron in March due to a breakdown in leadership within the organization. He expressed disappointment over the way the situation was handled publicly, and the lack of accountability for the consequences faced by the charity’s beneficiaries.
In response to the findings, a spokesperson for Prince Harry highlighted the Commission’s acknowledgment of no wrongdoing on the part of the Co-Founder and former Patron of Sentebale. The spokesperson pointed out the critical issue that the repercussions of the current chair’s actions will not be borne by her, but by the children who rely on Sentebale’s support. It was noted that Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso are devastated by what they perceive as a hostile takeover by the current chair, making their return to the charity difficult as long as she remains in place.
While Sentebale’s current board has accepted the Charity Commission’s findings and committed to implementing the regulator’s recommendations, the tension between Prince Harry, Prince Seeiso, and the current chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, remains. The organization expressed gratitude for surviving the turbulent period and emphasized its commitment to continue supporting young people in Lesotho and Botswana. Despite the challenges faced, there is a determination to renew and strengthen Sentebale’s mission.
Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the current chair of Sentebale, expressed appreciation for the Charity Commission’s conclusions and acknowledged the governance concerns she raised privately earlier in the year. She credited the dedication of her colleagues and the new Board members for steering the charity through media scrutiny and vowed to uphold the vision of the charity’s founders, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso. The Charity Commission will monitor Sentebale’s progress in implementing the recommended changes outlined in its Regulatory Action Plan.
The dispute that led to Prince Harry’s resignation as Sentebale’s patron is rooted in governance concerns rather than personal grievances, according to a source close to the situation. Despite the damage caused to the charity’s reputation, Prince Harry remains committed to supporting the children of Lesotho and Botswana. Options for future involvement in charitable work in the region are being considered, with a focus on continuing the positive impact initiated by Sentebale.
In conclusion, the aftermath of the Sentebale scandal highlights the complexities of managing charitable organizations and the importance of transparent governance and conflict resolution mechanisms. The challenges faced by Prince Harry and the charity’s stakeholders serve as a reminder of the need for effective leadership and accountability in the charitable sector. As Sentebale navigates the path towards recovery and renewal, the commitment to its mission and the well-being of the communities it serves remains at the forefront of its priorities.
This re-written article focuses on the key points of the original story, maintaining a neutral tone and providing a clear narrative of the events surrounding the Sentebale scandal and Prince Harry’s response to the Charity Commission’s findings.