Prince Harry is considering starting a new charity after a highly-publicised dispute saw him exit his Sentebale charity, a spokesperson has said.
The Duke of Sussex stepped down as a Sentebale patron in March in support of trustees who resigned in opposition to the board chairwoman, Dr Sophie Chandauka, who previously accused Harry of bullying and harassment – claims a source close to the former trustees described as “completely baseless”.
Sentebale works to support the health and wellbeing of young people, especially those with HIV and AIDS, in Botswana and Lesotho.
It was co-founded by Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006. Seeiso also stepped down as patron in March.
In a report published on Tuesday, the Charity Commission criticised all sides for making the fallout public with interviews and statements, but the war of words has continued.
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On Sunday, a spokesperson for Harry said: “The duke remains absolutely committed to continuing the work he started, supporting the children and young people of Lesotho and Botswana, nearly 20 years ago.
“In what form that support takes – no decisions have been made.
“All options remain on the table; whether that be starting a new charity or working to support pre-existing charities operating in the same sector in the region.”
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The charity regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, said it found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment at Sentebale, including misogyny or misogynoir.
The trustees who resigned said in a statement they were “gravely concerned for the future of the charity” as they felt the commission had “chosen to ignore key concerns and irrefutable evidence raised with them regarding the leadership and oversight of Sentebale’s chair”.
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In response to the findings, Sentebale said in a statement: “The Charity Commission is explicitly clear, including in its public guidance, that it is not the commission’s responsibility to adjudicate or mediate internal disputes. This would include individual allegations of bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir etc.
“As a result, the commission has not investigated any individual allegations and therefore has not made any findings in relation to individuals, including Prince Harry.
“The issues not investigated by the commission can and may be dealt with through avenues more appropriate than the commission.”
