Prince Harry Resigns from Sentebale Amid Boardroom Conflict
Prince Harry has found himself in an unexpected and shocking situation, stepping down as a patron of Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. The charity, which provides support to children and young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana, has been a significant part of Harry’s life. However, internal conflicts within the board have led to his difficult decision to resign.
The controversy revolves around Sophie Chandauka, the chair of the Sentebale board, who refused to step down when asked and instead took legal action to retain her position. This internal dispute created a situation that Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, found untenable, ultimately leading them to resign alongside the board of trustees.
In a joint statement, the two princes expressed their deep disappointment, stating, “What’s transpired is unthinkable. We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries, so we will be sharing all of our concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about.” Their words underline their frustration over the breakdown of governance within the organization.
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Sentebale was established in 2006 following Harry’s gap year experience in Lesotho, where he witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by vulnerable children. Over the years, the charity has made a lasting impact, providing essential support and raising awareness for those affected by HIV and AIDS. The name “Sentebale” means “forget-me-not” in Sesotho, a tribute to their mothers and a promise to the children they serve.
Despite their departure, Harry and Seeiso have reaffirmed their commitment to the cause. “Although we may no longer be patrons, we will always be its founders, and we will never forget what this charity is capable of achieving when it is in the right care,” they emphasized in their statement. Their decision to step away is not one they took lightly, but rather a move they felt was necessary to preserve the integrity of the charity’s mission.
The situation took another turn when Chandauka issued her own statement, alleging misconduct within the organization. She framed her resistance as a stand against governance failures, claiming she had reported the board to the Charity Commission and had taken legal steps to contest her removal. Her accusations included claims of bullying, harassment, and misuse of power within the organization. As a result, the Charity Commission is now reviewing the situation to assess the charity’s governance and determine any necessary regulatory steps.
In the wake of these developments, Sentebale reassured its supporters that the charity’s work will continue, emphasizing that the on-the-ground staff and local partners remain committed to their mission. “While Trustees are key for governance and regulation, and Patrons—especially Founders—are an honor to have, it’s the people in the field who are advancing the work, no matter what,” the charity stated.
This resignation marks a significant moment in Prince Harry’s philanthropic journey. Sentebale has been one of his most cherished projects, closely tied to his mother’s legacy and his own personal growth. His decision to step away, although painful, reflects his unwillingness to be associated with an organization entangled in internal conflicts that could jeopardize its mission.
As this situation unfolds, the world watches to see how Sentebale will navigate these turbulent times. One thing remains certain—Prince Harry’s dedication to humanitarian work will continue, even if it means forging a new path away from the charity he helped build.
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