Prince Harry's crisis with Sentebale 'started with Meghan Markle', insider claims

The Duchess of Sussex has been pulled into the bitter spat between Prince Harry and the chair of the Sentebale charity Dr Sophie Chandauka. A well-placed source has revealed that the frosty relationship between Meghan and Dr Chandauka is to blame for the feud between the Duke of Sussex and the charity chair.

Last month, Prince Harry stepped down from his role as a trustee of Sentebale - a charity set up in 2006 to help people in southern Africa living with HIV and Aids - "in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees", who also stepped down. Citing the relationship breakdown between Dr Chandauka and the board, the prince said in a statement: "It is devastating that the relationship between the charity's trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation."

Since the prince stepped down, Dr Chandauka alleged that he "unleashed the Sussex machine" on her, leading to "harassment and bullying at scale".

Until now, the 40-year-old royal's wife had been insulated from the row with the charity chair. However, that's since changed.

"The problem, though, started with Meghan," a source told The Mail on Sunday. "Meghan doesn't like Sophie", they added.

According to the source, the row between pair started when Meghan arrived unexpectedly at a Sentebale charity polo match, with tennis superstar Serena Williams in tow. Meghan, upon being greeted by Dr Chandauka, responded curtly, saying only "hi" before turning and walking off with Ms Williams.

"She [Dr Chandauka] 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," the source claimed.

"She went off to the tent. Sophie found it rude. Staff working that day were asked to get champagne for Meghan, they were scrambling around - Sentebale and Archewell [Harry and Meghan's charitable organisation] staff were both having to do that. Sentebale were not happy about this at all", the source alleged.

This week, Prince Harry responded to the news that the Charity Commission was investigating Sentebale. He said: "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."