Meghan Markle did not get on with Sentebale boss Dr Sophie Chandauka prior to her public feud with Prince Harry, an insider has claimed.
Prince Harry broke his silence on the ongoing dispute with Sentebale charity chair Dr Sophie Chandauka, referring to "blatant lies" being spread about the situation.
The Duke of Sussex issued a statement after the Charity Commission confirmed it had opened an investigation into "concerns raised" about the organisation.
Harry described the past week as "heartbreaking to witness" as the public feud continues to escalate.
New claims have emerged suggesting tensions between Meghan Markle and Dr Sophie Chandauka predated their public dispute.
"The problem, though, started with Meghan," an insider told The Mail on Sunday. "Meghan doesn't like Sophie."
This revelation comes amid the escalating row between Prince Harry and the Sentebale chair.
Sources close to the charity have painted a picture of strained relations between the Duchess and Dr Chandauka.
One particular incident reportedly highlighted this tension at a polo fundraiser in Florida for Sentebale.
Dr Chandauka apparently greeted Meghan warmly but received only a perfunctory "Hi" in return.
The Duchess then allegedly turned away and went to a marquee with tennis star Serena Williams "to drink champagne".
"She wanted to take her around, to introduce her to other people, but Meghan didn't want to mingle or engage with those supporting the event," a source claimed.
Staff were reportedly "scrambling around" to serve champagne to Meghan, which displeased Sentebale representatives.
A previous row between Harry and Dr Chandauka has also come to light regarding the Duchess of Sussex.
The Telegraph reported that a member of Harry's team had asked Dr Chandauka to issue a statement quashing speculation about tensions with Meghan.
When she declined, the duke reportedly contacted her directly.
Sources told the newspaper that Harry demanded she "explain herself" in a note described as "unpleasant" in tone and using "imperious" language.
Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honour of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
The Duke met with Prince Seeiso in Lesotho as recently as October 2024 and raised funds through a polo match last April.
Harry stepped down as patron on March 25 amid infighting within the organisation.
Several trustees left Sentebale during a dispute with chair Dr Sophie Chandauka.
In a joint statement with Prince Seeiso, Harry said: "These trustees acted in the best interest of the charity in asking the chair to step down, while keeping the wellbeing of staff in mind."
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Dr Chandauka has since accused the Duke of Sussex of trying to "eject" her through "bullying" and "harassment".
A source close to former trustees dismissed her comments as a "publicity stunt".
The dispute has continued to play out publicly despite Harry's departure from the charity.
The Duke of Sussex welcomed the Charity Commission's investigation into Sentebale on Thursday.
Harry had not issued a public statement on the row since stepping down as patron until the investigation was confirmed.
While not directly addressing Dr Chandauka's claims, he referred to "blatant lies" hurting those dedicated to the charity's mission.
"We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign," the Duke concluded regarding the investigation.
Find Out More...
Prince Harry broke his silence on the ongoing dispute with Sentebale charity chair Dr Sophie Chandauka, referring to "blatant lies" being spread about the situation.
The Duke of Sussex issued a statement after the Charity Commission confirmed it had opened an investigation into "concerns raised" about the organisation.
Harry described the past week as "heartbreaking to witness" as the public feud continues to escalate.
New claims have emerged suggesting tensions between Meghan Markle and Dr Sophie Chandauka predated their public dispute.
"The problem, though, started with Meghan," an insider told The Mail on Sunday. "Meghan doesn't like Sophie."
This revelation comes amid the escalating row between Prince Harry and the Sentebale chair.
Sources close to the charity have painted a picture of strained relations between the Duchess and Dr Chandauka.
One particular incident reportedly highlighted this tension at a polo fundraiser in Florida for Sentebale.
Dr Chandauka apparently greeted Meghan warmly but received only a perfunctory "Hi" in return.
The Duchess then allegedly turned away and went to a marquee with tennis star Serena Williams "to drink champagne".
"She wanted to take her around, to introduce her to other people, but Meghan didn't want to mingle or engage with those supporting the event," a source claimed.
Staff were reportedly "scrambling around" to serve champagne to Meghan, which displeased Sentebale representatives.
A previous row between Harry and Dr Chandauka has also come to light regarding the Duchess of Sussex.
The Telegraph reported that a member of Harry's team had asked Dr Chandauka to issue a statement quashing speculation about tensions with Meghan.
When she declined, the duke reportedly contacted her directly.
Sources told the newspaper that Harry demanded she "explain herself" in a note described as "unpleasant" in tone and using "imperious" language.
Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honour of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
The Duke met with Prince Seeiso in Lesotho as recently as October 2024 and raised funds through a polo match last April.
Harry stepped down as patron on March 25 amid infighting within the organisation.
Several trustees left Sentebale during a dispute with chair Dr Sophie Chandauka.
In a joint statement with Prince Seeiso, Harry said: "These trustees acted in the best interest of the charity in asking the chair to step down, while keeping the wellbeing of staff in mind."
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Dr Chandauka has since accused the Duke of Sussex of trying to "eject" her through "bullying" and "harassment".
A source close to former trustees dismissed her comments as a "publicity stunt".
The dispute has continued to play out publicly despite Harry's departure from the charity.
The Duke of Sussex welcomed the Charity Commission's investigation into Sentebale on Thursday.
Harry had not issued a public statement on the row since stepping down as patron until the investigation was confirmed.
While not directly addressing Dr Chandauka's claims, he referred to "blatant lies" hurting those dedicated to the charity's mission.
"We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign," the Duke concluded regarding the investigation.
Find Out More...