Prince Harry has stepped down as a patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded nearly 20 years ago to support young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. He expressed his shock at the decision, which comes amid a serious conflict within the charity’s board.
The Duke of Sussex announced his resignation following a breakdown in relations between board members and Sophie Chandauka, the chair of the board. Chandauka has refused to resign and is currently suing the charity to keep her position. This situation has created turmoil within the organization, prompting Harry and Prince Seeiso, his co-founder, to leave their roles.
In a joint statement, the princes shared their disbelief at the circumstances. They emphasized their ongoing responsibility to the charity’s beneficiaries and expressed their intent to report their concerns to the Charity Commission, the regulatory body overseeing charitable organizations in the UK.
Sentebale, which means "forget-me-not" in Sesotho, was established in memory of Princess Diana, Harry’s late mother. The charity aims to provide support and services to young people dealing with the challenges posed by HIV and AIDS. Harry’s connection to Lesotho began during a gap year when he worked at an orphanage, which deeply influenced his commitment to the cause.
Following Harry’s resignation, both he and Prince Seeiso thanked the trustees for their years of service. They stated they were heartbroken to take such action but felt it was necessary given the circumstances. They hope this decision will help highlight the issues within the organization and ensure the charity can continue its important work.
Chandauka, in her response, has accused the trustees of misconduct and has voiced concerns about governance and management within Sentebale. She claims to have reported these issues to the Charity Commission and has filed legal actions to contest her removal.
The Charity Commission is currently reviewing the situation and assessing the governance concerns raised by both sides. Meanwhile, Sentebale has reassured its supporters that the charity’s mission will continue, emphasizing the dedication of its staff and local partners who work on the ground to support children and young people.
Prince Harry last visited Lesotho in October 2024, where he engaged with the community and emphasized the impact of their work. He has always maintained that the charity’s goal is to help young people lead fulfilling lives, despite the challenges they face.
This recent upheaval marks a significant moment for Sentebale, and it remains to be seen how the organization will move forward in light of these developments.