The Duke of Sussex is considering starting a new humanitarian organisation after a highly publicised dispute led him to quit his Sentebale charity.
Prince Harry stepped down as patron of the charity in March in support of trustees who resigned in opposition to board chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka.
She had previously levelled accusations of bullying and harassment against the royal and others involved in Sentebale.
The charity works in Botswana and Lesotho supporting the health and wellbeing of young people, especially those with HIV and Aids.
Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who co-founded Sentebale alongside the duke in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 2006, also stepped down as patron.
Last week, Britain’s Charity Commission published a report into the episode, criticising all sides for making the fallout public with interviews and statements. But that hasn’t halted the war of words.
A source said the row had been “emotionally absolutely devastating” for Harry, and described Chandauka’s comments as “nothing short of a hostile takeover”.
“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,” a spokesperson for the duke said on Sunday (British time).
“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.”
The charity regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, said it found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir (racism and sexism directed at black women) at the charity. It did acknowledge “the strong perception of ill treatment” felt by some involved.
The trustees who resigned said 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”.
“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,” Sentebale said in response to the findings.
“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.”
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