Ex-Trustees of Prince Harry’s African Charity Sentebale ‘Gravely Concerned’ for Its Future After Probe Findings Go Public

Former trustees of Prince Harry’s African charity, Sentebale, have expressed grave concerns about its future following the public release of probe findings, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the organization. The ex-trustees, who stepped down in March along with Prince Harry and his co-founder Prince Seeiso, raised apprehensions about the charity’s direction in the wake of an official inquiry by a regulatory commission in the UK.

Sentebale, meaning forget-me-not in Lesotho’s language, was established by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso nearly two decades ago to provide support to young people in Lesotho, particularly during the HIV and AIDS crisis in the region. The founders, along with other trustees, resigned in the midst of an internal conflict with the chairperson, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, triggering a regulatory probe by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

The Charity Commission’s inquiry, which began in April, concluded late on August 5 and highlighted shortcomings on both sides of the conflict within Sentebale. The commission criticized the lack of internal governance, failure to resolve disputes effectively, and subsequent damage to the charity’s reputation and public trust. Despite the findings, the controversial chairperson, Dr. Chandauka, remains in her position.

Reacting to the commission’s verdict, the former trustees expressed disappointment with the perceived disregard of key concerns and evidence regarding the leadership and oversight of Sentebale’s Chair. They emphasized the importance of governance and voiced ongoing concerns for the charity’s future and the communities it serves in line with the founders’ original vision.

Acknowledging the Commission’s findings, Sentebale’s current board pledged to implement the regulator’s recommendations to address internal disputes, enhance complaint procedures, and establish clearer authority delegation processes. Dr. Chandauka welcomed the conclusions, highlighting the challenging yet clarifying experience that tested the charity’s strategic vision and operational resilience.

In response to the report, a spokesperson for Prince Harry expressed dissatisfaction with the findings, citing the personal significance of Sentebale’s mission in supporting vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana. The prince, along with Prince Seeiso and former trustees, played pivotal roles in the charity’s growth and impact over the years, committing to continue supporting children in the region.

Prince Harry, deeply invested in the welfare of young people in Lesotho and Botswana, is evaluating future avenues to uphold the charity’s mission. While the prince remains dedicated to the cause, uncertainties persist about his involvement in Sentebale amidst the ongoing governance challenges. His commitment to the children in need reflects a continued pursuit of impactful initiatives in the region.

As Prince Harry contemplates the next steps, supporters and observers await decisions that align with the charity’s core objectives and ensure sustainable support for the communities it serves. The uncertainty surrounding Sentebale underscores the complexities of maintaining charitable endeavors amidst internal conflicts, emphasizing the importance of effective governance and leadership in charitable organizations.