Jam jar moments seem to be in short supply for Prince Harry these days. The former royal and his partner, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, have been forced to step down as patrons of their organization, Sentebale, following internal disputes. A significant upheaval in Harry’s life, while his wife Meghan continues to relentlessly promote her new lifestyle brand. A commentary.
It was his absolute passion project: In 2006, after his gap year abroad, Prince Harry, 40, co-founded the AIDS orphan charity Sentebale with Prince Seeiso, 58, in memory of their deceased mothers. Now, the two princes must say farewell—they are stepping down as patrons alongside the foundation’s board: “What has happened is unimaginable. We are shocked that we have to do this.”
Prince Harry’s World is Falling Apart: “Abuse of Power, Bullying, Harassment, Misogyny, and Misogynoir”
Farewell words that once again highlight how much the organization meant to them. However, the accusations that the current chairwoman of the foundation, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, made just a few hours later in an official statement weigh even heavier. “There are people in this world who behave as if they are above the law and mistreat others. Then they play the victim card and use the very press they despise to harm those who have the courage to call their behavior into question,” writes the lawyer with an impressive resume.
She further emphasizes: “Behind all the victim narratives and fictions that were fed to the press lies the story of a woman who dared to expose corporate mismanagement, weak leadership, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir [misogynoir refers to misogyny directed at Black women, Ed.]. And the subsequent cover-up. I could be anyone. I just happen to be an educated woman who knows that the law will guide and protect me.” Strong words, on which she does not wish to elaborate further—for now. But Chandauka promises: “I will not be intimidated.”
Duchess Meghan on a Promotion Spree
Sophie Chandauka wants to “stand for something,” especially “for all the other women who lack the resources and means.” A stance that self-proclaimed feminist Duchess Meghan, 43, should certainly approve of—or should she? After all, the Duchess of Sussex has long emphasized the importance of equality, women’s rights, and the protection of girls and women. Or so she claimed. Because in the midst of the drama surrounding her husband, whose world has suddenly collapsed, Meghan prefers to be seen online alongside actress Gwyneth Paltrow, 52, promoting her latest jam creation on the Instagram account of her lifestyle brand “As ever” and reposting clips from fan accounts where her makeup artist and friend, Daniel Martin, discusses her wedding makeup. As if nothing had happened.
The focus, as always: her own image. Apparently, it is more important to Meghan to dispel rumors of a feud with Gwyneth Paltrow and sell “spoonful by spoonful” more jars of her jam. That Prince Harry, of all times, has to leave his charitable organization now seems to be of little concern to the entrepreneur—unlike her fruity preserves.
Feminism Has Nothing to Do with Jam
After all, her new podcast is set to launch on April 8, 2025; Meghan cannot afford negative headlines right now. And certainly not a shift in the spotlight—no matter in which direction. For weeks, she has been the sole focus of attention, with Harry making only a brief guest appearance in the final episode of her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan.”
That the former royal remains in the background of his wife’s lifestyle brand may seem endearing. It is Meghan’s passion project; she should shine. But shouldn’t it be the other way around as well? Shouldn’t the Duchess of Sussex, now that Harry has had the ground pulled from under his feet and lost his first self-founded charity, take a step back and let promotion be promotion? Not just for Harry, who, in addition to his personal loss, is facing serious accusations, but also for all those women who have suffered from “abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir” and cannot simply swallow their experiences with a spoonful of raspberry jam?
Perhaps it is time, despite the excitement for future projects, to once again engage with the past. Not with Oprah or on Netflix, but within their own four walls—and with those affected. After all, jam has a two-year shelf life.
