The Charity Commission has concluded its investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment at Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry. The inquiry, which followed a high-profile boardroom dispute, found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir. However, the commission criticized all parties involved for allowing the conflict to unfold publicly, thereby damaging the charity's reputation.

Background of the Dispute

Earlier this year, Prince Harry, along with several trustees, resigned from Sentebale following a contentious disagreement with the charity's chair, Sophie Chandauka. The dispute centered around governance issues and a new fundraising strategy in the United States. Prince Harry's departure was marked by accusations of a "toxic" environment, with Chandauka alleging poor governance and abuse of power.

Commission's Findings and Recommendations

The Charity Commission's report, released on Tuesday, highlighted the failure of the charity's leadership to resolve disputes internally, which it said severely impacted public trust in the organization. David Holdsworth, the commission's chief executive, emphasized the need for robust governance and policies to prevent such conflicts. Consequently, the commission issued a regulatory action plan to address these governance weaknesses and improve mechanisms for handling internal disputes.

Reactions and Future Implications

Prince Harry's spokesperson welcomed the finding of no bullying but criticized the report for not holding the current leadership accountable for the public fallout. Meanwhile, Chandauka, who remains as chair, expressed relief that the charity could move forward "stronger" and "free from interference." The commission's report acknowledged the perception of ill treatment felt by some parties but clarified that it was not within its remit to adjudicate individual claims.