Prince Harry is reportedly “utterly devastated” following what he describes as a “hostile takeover” of Sentebale.
Sentebale is the charity he co-founded to support children affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.
PRINCE HARRY AND SENTEBALE
The Duke of Sussex spent hours on late-night calls from his home in California, expressing deep frustration to supporters over the situation.
It has been marked by conflict with the charity’s current chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, according to Page Six.
Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho founded Sentebale in 2006, inspired by their late mothers and Harry’s experience during a gap year in Lesotho.
The charity name means “forget-me-not” in Sesotho. The charity has worked to aid children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS and struggling with mental health challenges.
PRINCE HARRY AND DR CHANDAUKA
Despite stepping back as a working royal, Harry continued his commitment to Sentebale. This included directing half of his share from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and part of his memoir proceeds towards it.
The dispute arose when Harry and some trustees resigned from Sentebale in March 2025, citing a breakdown in trust and confidence in the chair, Dr Chandauka.
She then publicly accused Harry and the trustees of poor governance and other issues, including bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir. This is a term that describes anti-Black misogyny.
NO EVIDENCE OF BULLYING
However, the Charity Commission for England and Wales conducted an investigation and found no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment, or misogyny within Sentebale.
The Commission’s report criticised the charity’s governance structures but cleared both Harry and Dr Chandauka of wrongdoing.
The Charity Commission’s findings highlight governance issues and the need for clearer delegation of responsibilities within Sentebale.
Despite this, Dr Chandauka remains chair. Harry expressed that he would not work with the charity again as long as she and her chosen trustees remain in power.
MEDIA ATTACKS AND RESIGNATION
A spokesperson for Harry explained, “The Duke is… deeply upset by this entire ordeal, though he remains committed to continuing the work he began 19 years ago.
He still wants to support the children of Lesotho and Botswana living with HIV/AIDS and struggling with mental health issues”.
Dr Chandauka responded to the Charity Commission’s findings by reaffirming her stance that Harry launched a damaging media attack against her following his resignation.
However, the charity regulator found no merit in claims of misconduct. “Their report falls troublingly short in many regards, primarily the fact that the consequences of the current Chair’s actions will not be borne by her.
SENTEBELE’S LEGACY
The issues surrounding Sentebale resonate given the regional vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and the importance of robust charity governance.
The charity’s leadership, now including an interim executive director based in Johannesburg, is critical for the continuation of vital support to vulnerable children in Southern Africa.
With Lesotho neighbouring South Africa and sharing similar health challenges, the future of Sentebale carries significant regional weight.
PRINCE HARRY HAS HAD ENOUGH
The Charity Commission’s concluding remarks urged all parties to move forward in the charity’s best interest. They highlighted the need for unity to preserve Sentebale’s mission.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry appears to be exploring new philanthropic avenues to continue his dedication to these causes. He remains cautious about re-engaging with Sentebale under the current leadership.
HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU BELIEVE CHARITY LEADERSHIP IS FOR EFFECTIVE SUPPORT IN SOUTHERN AFRICA?
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