It seems like it’s one setback after another for Prince Harry. The latest blow comes from Baroness Lynda Chalker, a former Conservative MP under Margaret Thatcher, who has decided to step down from her position after 18 years with Sentebale, the Duke's charity. According to reports, her commitment to the cause and her support for Harry remain firm. But her departure seems to speak volumes, almost as if the door slammed on her way out.
This isn’t the first time someone has left the organization. Last year, Johnny Hornby, the chairman and trustee of Sentebale, also made his exit after 11 years. And if that wasn’t enough, Andrew Tucker, a key figure at the charity for nearly a decade, has now chosen to leave as well. But despite all these departures, Prince Harry remains in charge of Sentebale, which he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho back in 2006.
The charity’s noble mission has always been to help vulnerable children in South Africa combat HIV, poverty, and other struggles, a cause Harry has championed ever since his gap year in 2004. He even visited Lesotho recently, where locals refer to him as "the warrior," a title fitting for a man who clearly envisions himself as a hero in his post-Royal life. But with all these senior staff members leaving, one has to wonder: is it normal for so many key people to quit all of a sudden, or is something much bigger at play?
Could it be that the initial allure of supporting a royal figure wasn’t as appealing as they once thought? Is it possible the “honeymoon period” of working with Harry and his charity is over? It’s hard not to question why it took these individuals so long to recognize the charity’s issues. After all, what happened to the days when a royal connection still carried weight?
Despite being a prince, Harry’s royal clout seems to be rapidly losing its appeal. The allure of royal affiliation that once drew opportunists to his cause appears to be fading, as even those who sought his connection are now jumping ship. The reality is that Harry's influence is now about as valuable as a paper crown.
And speaking of his royal past, remember when Harry had the luxury of a palace to back him up? That’s long gone now, and he’s stumbling through life with only Meghan by his side. It’s becoming clear that their grand ambitions are colliding with the harsh realities of their post-royal world. At this rate, they couldn’t organize a successful charity fundraiser even if their lives depended on it. If you asked, it’d be hard to imagine them managing the flow of water in a bathtub, let alone running a multi-million-dollar charity.
And then there’s the infamous trademark debacle. In May 2024, Harry’s attempt to trademark Sentebale in the US was rejected. He had hoped to link it with mental health services, psychological counseling, and immunizations, but the application was deemed too vague. As you dig deeper into this, it starts to look like the entire Sentebale operation was just a vehicle for Harry to cross-promote his various business ventures.
It’s no wonder that people are fleeing this sinking ship. Who would want to be associated with someone who seems more interested in profiting from the charity’s name than actually helping those in need? And let’s not even get started on Meghan. Remember when she publicly disrespected Dr. Sophie Shandoka, the head of Sentebale, while presenting an award? Meghan pointed at her as if she were an inconvenience, then rudely told her to move aside. No wonder so many are abandoning ship.
Three high-level departures in less than a year isn’t just a coincidence. Something doesn’t seem right, and it’s not just the charity’s diminishing reputation. As the common denominator becomes clearer, it’s hard to ignore the signs that something is seriously off. But don’t worry—Harry’s “unwavering commitment” to the cause will surely keep him afloat. Well, unless the charity sinks before he can finish his next round of personal endeavors.
