Prince Harry is reportedly reeling from a sharp critique by the charity he helped establish, following his decision to step down from the organisation.

The Duke of Sussex, who recently turned 40, made headlines with his dramatic resignation as patron of Sentebale, a charity founded in honour of his late mother, Princess Diana. He expressed his heartbreak over the decision, blaming a "broken" relationship for his departure.

Yet, the Chair of the Board delivered a veiled dig at the prince on Wednesday, which did not go unnoticed.

A confidant familiar with Prince Harry since the inception of the African charity in 2006 shared: "There's no way of sugar-coating the damage of this, regardless of who's in the right. He'll be reeling."

Despite the biting criticism, where Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE, Chair of the Board, alluded to individuals who "play the victim card and use the very press they disdain, to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct", Prince Harry has remained silent on the matter, reports The Mirror. 

Although Harry was not directly named, it is believed that he will be incensed by the implications of the statement. This comes as Royal biographer Ingrid Seward suggested to us that Harry will be "crushed" by the events but remains committed to pursuing further charitable endeavours in Africa.

In a staggering reversal of stance, the Duke of Sussex has created shockwaves with a dramatic departure from his previous sentiments regarding Sentebale, expressed while on a trip to South Africa last year. At that time, Harry, a father of two, had praised the charity for "making a massive difference" through its work.

Nearly two decades following the inception of Sentebale, Prince Harry had declared his lifelong dedication to the initiative, aimed at continuing his mother's legacy. He confidently told journalists, "You'll be surprised. Come back to this place in 25 years, you'll see a massive difference... As far as I'm concerned, I'm committed for the rest of my life."

However, the recent departure of the Duke on Tuesday has prompted the charity, which assists children and young people grappling with HIV and AIDS diagnoses, to underline that individuals working on the ground are more vital than its trustees.

Dr Chandauka remarked, "There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people. Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organisation, its mission, and the young people we serve."

Emphasising equitable conduct, he added, "My actions are guided by the principles of fairness and equitable treatment for all, regardless of social status or financial means. There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people, and then play the victim card and use the very press they disdain to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct."

According to Mail Online, she also alleged that she had reported trustees to the Charity Commission and secured an emergency injunction from the High Court to block her ousting.

Dr Chandauka remarked: "Beneath all the victim narrative and fiction that has been syndicated to press is the story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir - and the cover-up that ensued."

She continued, "I could be anyone. I just happen to be an educated woman who understands that the law will guide and protect me. I will say nothing further on this matter at this time."