Prince Harry has issued a statement after the Charity Commission confirmed it will investigate his charity Sentebale following his resignation as patron last week.
The Duke of Sussex stepped down amid an escalating boardroom dispute with chairwoman Sophie Chandauka.
The investigation comes after allegations of "harassment and bullying" were levelled against the prince, claims that have reportedly left him in "total shock".
Ms Chandauka has alleged the duke tried to "eject" her through "bullying" and "harassment".
A source close to former trustees dismissed her comments as a "publicity stunt".
In a statement, the Duke of Sussex said: "From the inception of Sentebale nearly 20 years ago, Prince Seeiso and I have had a clear goal: to support the children and young people in Southern Africa in memory of our mothers."
He added: "What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal."
Harry expressed concern for the charity's beneficiaries, saying: "No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself."
He welcomed the investigation, stating: "We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign."
Reports suggest Harry sent an "unpleasant" and "imperious" message to Ms Chandauka after she refused to publicly address rumours of a rift with Meghan.
During the prize-giving ceremony at a Sentebale fundraising polo match in Miami last April, an awkward moment unfolded.
The Duchess of Sussex appeared to choreograph who stood next to Harry.
Ms Chandauka moved from beside the duke to Meghan's side, ducking under the trophy in what observers described as an uncomfortable exchange.
The Telegraph claimed a member of Harry's team had asked Ms Chandauka to issue a statement quashing speculation about tensions with the Duchess of Sussex.
When she declined, the duke reportedly contacted her directly.
An insider told the newspaper that Harry demanded she "explain herself" in a message.
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Sources also indicate that trustees had requested Chandauka's resignation before the recent escalation involving Prince Harry.
The duke founded Sentebale in honour of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
The charity was established to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids.
The name Sentebale means "forget me not" in Sesotho, chosen to honour both founders' mothers.
The organisation has faced internal turmoil in recent months.
Several trustees have reportedly left Sentebale amid the dispute with Ms Chandauka.
In his statement, Harry expressed hope that the investigation "will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately, for the sake of the communities we serve."
Find Out More...
The Duke of Sussex stepped down amid an escalating boardroom dispute with chairwoman Sophie Chandauka.
The investigation comes after allegations of "harassment and bullying" were levelled against the prince, claims that have reportedly left him in "total shock".
Ms Chandauka has alleged the duke tried to "eject" her through "bullying" and "harassment".
A source close to former trustees dismissed her comments as a "publicity stunt".
In a statement, the Duke of Sussex said: "From the inception of Sentebale nearly 20 years ago, Prince Seeiso and I have had a clear goal: to support the children and young people in Southern Africa in memory of our mothers."
He added: "What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal."
Harry expressed concern for the charity's beneficiaries, saying: "No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself."
He welcomed the investigation, stating: "We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign."
Reports suggest Harry sent an "unpleasant" and "imperious" message to Ms Chandauka after she refused to publicly address rumours of a rift with Meghan.
During the prize-giving ceremony at a Sentebale fundraising polo match in Miami last April, an awkward moment unfolded.
The Duchess of Sussex appeared to choreograph who stood next to Harry.
Ms Chandauka moved from beside the duke to Meghan's side, ducking under the trophy in what observers described as an uncomfortable exchange.
The Telegraph claimed a member of Harry's team had asked Ms Chandauka to issue a statement quashing speculation about tensions with the Duchess of Sussex.
When she declined, the duke reportedly contacted her directly.
An insider told the newspaper that Harry demanded she "explain herself" in a message.
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Sources also indicate that trustees had requested Chandauka's resignation before the recent escalation involving Prince Harry.
The duke founded Sentebale in honour of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
The charity was established to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids.
The name Sentebale means "forget me not" in Sesotho, chosen to honour both founders' mothers.
The organisation has faced internal turmoil in recent months.
Several trustees have reportedly left Sentebale amid the dispute with Ms Chandauka.
In his statement, Harry expressed hope that the investigation "will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately, for the sake of the communities we serve."
Find Out More...