Key Points:
- Shock Resignation: Prince Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso step down as patrons of Sentebale, citing irreparable conflicts with the board chair.
- Leadership Rift: Trustees resigned after the chair, Sophie Chandauka, filed a lawsuit to retain her position following calls for her resignation.
- Charity’s Mission: Founded in 2006 to support children affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana, Sentebale now faces governance challenges.
- Future Uncertain: Sentebale announced a board restructuring to focus on youth health, economic stability, and climate resilience.
London: Prince Harry has resigned as patron of Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded nearly 20 years ago with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The Duke of Sussex described the decision as “truly heartbreaking” following an intense leadership dispute that led to the resignation of trustees and a lawsuit filed by the chair of the board.
A Legacy in Crisis
Sentebale, founded in 2006 in memory of Princess Diana, focuses on supporting vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS. Its name, meaning “forget-me-not” in Sesotho, symbolizes its commitment to improving lives through education, healthcare, and psychosocial support.
However, internal disputes have overshadowed its mission. The conflict arose over a decision to focus fundraising efforts largely in Africa and escalated when trustees requested the resignation of board chair Sophie Chandauka. When she refused and filed a lawsuit to retain her voluntary position, the trustees felt they could no longer continue.
Joint Resignation Statement
In a joint statement, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso expressed their devastation over stepping down. “What has transpired is unthinkable,” they said. “We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries. We will be sharing all our concerns with the Charity Commission regarding how this situation unfolded.”
The statement also emphasized their solidarity with the trustees who resigned under similar circumstances. “Our priority has always been what’s best for the charity. It’s desperately sad that the breakdown in relationships escalated to this point.”
Charity Commission Investigation
The UK Charity Commission has acknowledged receiving concerns about governance issues at Sentebale and is investigating the matter. Chandauka has claimed she acted as a whistleblower to address alleged abuses of power within the organization.
Sentebale’s Response
A spokesperson for Sentebale stated that it had not received formal notice of resignations from either Prince Harry or Prince Seeiso. The charity announced a board restructuring on March 25, 2025, aimed at accelerating its transformation agenda. This includes expanding its focus beyond HIV/AIDS to address youth health, economic stability, and climate resilience in Southern Africa.
The spokesperson added that Sentebale remains committed to its mission despite these challenges.
A Difficult Goodbye
Prince Harry’s departure marks a significant moment for the charity he has championed for nearly two decades. Known for his hands-on involvement whether through fundraising events like the annual Sentebale Polo Cup or visits to Lesotho Harry’s connection to Sentebale runs deep.
While stepping back as patron is a painful decision, Harry vowed to remain committed to the cause. “Although we may no longer be patrons, we will always be its founders and will never forget what this charity is capable of achieving when it is in the right care,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As Sentebale navigates this leadership crisis, questions remain about its future direction and ability to sustain its impactful work. With governance reforms underway and an ongoing investigation by the Charity Commission, stakeholders hope that the charity can overcome these challenges and continue serving vulnerable communities across Southern Africa.
This development underscores the complexities of managing charitable organizations and highlights the importance of strong governance in ensuring their missions endure.
