“Truth and reconciliation” – this phrase felt intriguing after all the events of the past two weeks, but it came from someone close to the current Sentebale team, when I inquired if they saw any possibility of mending what had gone amiss.

It’s been explosive. Initially, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, the founders, announced their “heartbreaking” decision to step away in solidarity with the trustees, who found working with chair Dr Sophie Chandauka “untenable”. Then Dr. Chandauka, speaking to Trevor Phillips on Sky News last Sunday, claimed that Prince Harry engaged in “harassment and bullying at scale“.

A source close to the charity’s former trustees called her allegations “categorically false” and “completely baseless”.

This week, I communicated with individuals on both sides. The bitterness and anger were palpable, but equally apparent was the desire across the board to explain what led to this critical collapse.

All parties wish “that polo match” wouldn’t overshadow things – the incident that seemed to be the beginning of the falling out between Dr. Chandauka and the Sussexes. Everyone involved wants to set that aside, as they emphasize more fundamental questions need addressing.

Taking into account everything I’ve been told, the situation can mostly be summarized into three main issues.

How was the charity operating? I’ve learned that internal work had been ongoing to assess Sentebale’s governance. Was the current structure – how it was being run and who filled the roles of chair, trustees, and others – suitable for a charity nearing its 20th year?

What was the future for Sentebale? Established out of a genuine wish to assist young people in Lesotho with HIV and AIDS, was it time to broaden their mission? Were there obstacles to this expansion? But did it truly need a fundamental overhaul?

And what was happening financially? Much has been said by both sides about money spent on consultants’ fees, who might be responsible for sponsors leaving, and drops in fundraising.

On Friday, the Charity Commission confirmed it has launched an inquiry to examine concerns about the charity.

Dr. Chandauka stated: “We hope that, together, these actions will provide assurance to the wider public, our colleagues, partners, supporters, donors, and the communities we serve that Sentebale and its new board of trustees are acting appropriately to demonstrate and ensure good governance and a healthy culture for Sentebale to thrive.”

Prince Harry’s statement, also on behalf of Prince Seeiso and the former trustees, read: “We welcome the Charity Commission’s decision to conduct a thorough investigation. We expect it will reveal the truth that led us to resign collectively. We remain hopeful that this will enable Sentebale to be immediately placed in capable hands, for the benefit of the communities we serve.”

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One insider, still with the charity, expressed hope for a “truth and reconciliation process” in the future. They also commented that keeping the charitable objective in focus often resolves many issues.

At times, this week, that focus seemed lost amid the accusations and blame, with little attention given to the young people supported and those they wish to help in the future.

Sentebale holds significant meaning to Harry, and it was surprising not to see a stronger public response to the allegations directly attributed to him.

A lot has happened in Harry’s personal life recently, which possibly distracted him from offering a more robust personal response to these accusations.

My inbox has been full of updates from Meghan’s brand “As Ever”. Meghan’s week was supposed to highlight the sale of her new products, including flower sprinkles and raspberry spread, which sold out within hours.

That context underscores the challenges some have faced interacting with Harry in his new life.

Both sides of this dispute agree that Harry remains committed to service and helping others – it’s intrinsic to him. But unlike his royal life, now commercial interests are involved, which might affect how he approaches his charitable work.

Now, the Charity Commission is steps involved, and both sides have chosen to wait out this process.