Prince Harry and Sentebale Trustees Resign from Charity
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Prince Harry, along with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and the board of trustees of Sentebale, have made the decision to resign from the charity due to what has been described as a financial crisis and internal turmoil. The Duke of Sussex, aged 40, and Prince Seeiso, aged 58, announced their “devastating” decision to step down as patrons of the charity, in solidarity with the trustees who also resigned over issues with chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka. The situation escalated when trustees requested Chandauka’s resignation, leading her to file a lawsuit against the charity, which focuses on supporting young people in southern Africa. The U.K.-based Charity Commission has confirmed that they are looking into the matter.
A source familiar with the situation at Sentebale revealed that Chandauka has caused significant legal and financial strain on the charity. Upon her appointment in July 2023, the organization was financially stable, but this changed during her tenure. When a fundraising deal fell through in December 2024, discussions began about her stepping down. By February, the board formally requested her resignation, which she allegedly refused. Subsequently, when the trustees attempted to remove her through a vote, she initiated a legal challenge to block the process. Tensions escalated further when conflicts emerged between Chandauka and a major funder of the Sentebale Polo Cup, leading to the cancellation of the event in 2024. Chandauka also reportedly hired external consultants without board approval, incurring costs exceeding $600,000.
It was a pivotal moment for the trustees when they felt they could no longer continue to place legal and financial strain on the charity and decided to resign, as per the source. In response to the unfolding events, a representative for Chandauka refuted claims circulating in the media, stating that the decision-making process involved collective action, and legal measures were taken to address issues of power abuse, misconduct, and mismanagement among others.
Sentebale was established by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso in 2006 in memory of their late mothers, with a mission to carry on the legacy of Princess Diana’s advocacy for AIDS awareness. The duo expressed their deep sadness in resigning as Patrons but reaffirmed their commitment to the charity’s beneficiaries. Former trustees of Sentebale also issued a statement acknowledging the difficult decision to resign, citing a loss of trust and confidence in the Chair of the board as the primary reason for their departure.
In a separate statement, Chandauka defended her actions, highlighting concerns of poor governance, abuse of power, and cover-ups within the organization. The charity, on the other hand, emphasized its continued dedication to supporting youth in Southern Africa despite the recent developments. Prince Harry, who has been actively involved in fundraising for Sentebale through polo matches, last visited Lesotho in October 2024, underlining his ongoing commitment to the charity’s cause.
The resignation of Prince Harry and the Sentebale trustees marks a significant development in the charity’s history, raising questions about governance, financial management, and mission alignment. As the Charity Commission investigates the matter further, the future direction of Sentebale and its impact on the communities it serves remain uncertain.