Meghan Markle defended for not publicly supporting 'lonely' Prince Harry over Sentebale charity row
Harry helped set up the charity in 2006Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has been defended after not publicly speaking out in support of Prince Harry following the Sentebale charity row.
Earlier this year, Harry found himself embroiled in a “bullying” row surrounding his charity, which operated in Botswana and Lesotho in southern Africa.
Prince Harry and the Sentebale charity row
Back in March, Harry stepped down as a patron of the Sentebale charity amid the row involving Dr Sophie Chandauka, chair of the board.
Sentebale works to support the health and wellbeing of children and young people with HIV and AIDS in Botswana and Lesotho.
Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho set up the charity back in 2006.
The dispute between Harry, trustees, and Dr Chandauka arose regarding a decision about fundraising. The board asked Chandauka to resign as chair; however, when she refused, the trustees stepped down in protest.
Chandauka reported the trustees to the Charity Commission. She also accused Harry of a “toxic” brand. She said she had “dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir – and the cover-up that ensued”.
Harry, 40, was said to be “devastated” by the row.
This month, the Charity Commission released its findings into an investigation over the allegations. It said it found “no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir” at Sentebale.
However, it criticised “all parties” after the dispute played out in public.
Meghan Markle defended over Sentebale silence
However, during the whole row, Harry’s wife Meghan, 44, has stayed silent. And, according to royal expert Jennie Bond, there’s good reason for this.
I’m sure she has supported and comforted him in private.
“This is a very sensitive issue all round. Sentebale was Harry’s charity from the start, along with his co-founder, Prince Seeiso. The allegations of misogyny and misogynoir – both discounted by the charity commission – make this an even more sensitive issue for Meghan to become involved with,” she told The Mirror.
“So I think she has wisely taken a back seat on this and left it to her husband. I’m sure she has supported and comforted him in private, and I think Harry will completely understand that it’s not her place to get involved in a public row with his charity,” she added.
However, historian Dr Tessa Dunlop took an opposing view, criticising Meghan for remaining silent.
She questioned why Meghan hadn’t come out in support of her husband, especially considering Harry has been very vocal in support of his wife over the years.
“After all, the duke has consistently spoken out in support of his wife, establishing the precedent early on and against the wishes of his family when he condemned Britain’s media coverage and insisted he had never before witnessed such a ‘degree of pressure, scrutiny and harassment’ from the press. As it currently stands, Harry cuts a lonely figure,” she said.
Duke of Sussex could ‘start new charity’
Following the Charity Commission’s findings, it’s been reported that Harry could set up a new charity following the whole fiasco.
“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,” a spokesperson for the duke said. “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.”
Read more: Princess Anne ‘perfect person to offer advice’ to Prince Harry amid royal ‘rift’
What do you think of this story? Let us know by commenting on our Royal Insider Facebook page.
