Meghan Markle is at the center of a new controversy. She has been accused of causing chaos at a 2024 charity polo event. The claims come from Dr. Sophie Chandauka, chair of Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale, who says Meghan showed up unannounced and brought tennis icon Serena Williams with her.
The shocking incident unfolded during the Royal Salute Polo Challenge in Florida. Dr. Chandauka revealed in an interview with Sky News that Meghan had confirmed she wouldn’t be attending. But then, she arrived—with a celebrity in tow—and allegedly caused a “disruption” on stage.
Meghan’s Surprise Appearance Shakes Event
According to Dr. Chandauka, Meghan disrupted the flow of the award ceremony. She reportedly asked the charity chair not to stand beside Harry during photos. Instead, she directed her to move to the other side, forcing others to reshuffle positions on stage.
“It was awkward,” Dr. Chandauka said. She explained that the group hadn’t prepared for Meghan’s arrival, which led to confusion and crowding on stage.
Meghan Markle Diva Label Gains Momentum
The situation added fuel to the “Meghan Markle diva” narrative. Critics say this behavior fits a growing pattern of entitlement and stage control. Meghan’s unexpected entrance and pushy demands were captured by international media and widely criticized online.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said the moment “caused confusion” and pointed to wider chaos at Sentebale. “It symbolized the internal breakdown within the charity,” he told MailOnline.
Dr. Chandauka said Harry even asked her to release a statement supporting Meghan after the incident. She refused. “Not because I didn’t care,” she said, “but because we can’t be an extension of the Sussexes.”
Charity Split and Accusations of Bullying
In a separate blow, Dr. Chandauka accused Harry of harassment and bullying. She also described the Sussexes’ brand as “toxic,” blaming it for sponsor losses and chaos within the charity.
Harry’s spokesperson strongly denied the accusations, calling them baseless. But the fallout has been massive. Several trustees, including Harry himself, resigned from Sentebale last week. The charity, which Harry co-founded in 2006 in memory of his mother Princess Diana, is now in crisis.
Dr. Chandauka claimed that things worsened when Harry tried to bring a Netflix crew to a Miami fundraiser. She said his demand turned the event into a commercial production. The venue then pulled out. “We lost the location because of that,” she said.
Allegations Echo Past Criticisms
Observers say the latest drama sounds familiar. Meghan has previously faced bullying accusations from palace staff. Those claims were strongly denied but resurfaced during her Oprah interview and again in Hollywood press reports.
Dr. Chandauka said the bullying at Sentebale wasn’t just limited to her. She accused Harry of being part of a cover-up involving sexism and harassment. According to her, the charity began to unravel as soon as Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
“There was a clear pattern,” she said. “Sponsors disappeared when Harry left the UK.”
Fans Rally for Meghan Despite Criticism
While Meghan faces backlash, some fans have shown strong support. At the polo match, supporters wore shirts with her image. Online, the duchess continues to attract defenders who dismiss the “diva” label as unfair media spin.
Still, the claims by Dr. Chandauka mark a major hit to Meghan’s and Harry’s public image. The phrase “Meghan Markle diva” is now trending and drawing global attention.
Charity Leadership in Turmoil
Dr. Chandauka was recently asked to resign by Sentebale’s board. She refused at first but has since stepped back from some duties. Her message to Harry was blunt: “Sentebale will live on, with or without you.”
Founded after Harry’s life-changing trip to Lesotho at 19, the charity aimed to help children affected by HIV. But now, it finds itself at the center of a royal scandal and fresh Meghan Markle diva speculations.
And for Sentebale, the question remains—can it survive the storm?