Prince Harry made headlines in March 2025 when he announced his decision to step down from Sentebale, a charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago. The abrupt departure came after the resignation of Sentebale’s board, led by chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who allegedly faced pressure to resign. The board claimed financial strain under Dr. Chandauka’s leadership, while she alleged bullying and harassment as reasons behind her resignation request.
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The Duke of Sussex, along with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, released a joint statement explaining their resignation as patrons of Sentebale in solidarity with the board. They expressed disappointment over the breakdown in relations within the charity, leading to an untenable situation. The departure followed a public fallout involving Dr. Chandauka, who sued the trustees after they asked her to step down, citing issues of poor governance and abuse of power.
Sentebale came under scrutiny as the Charity Commission for England and Wales launched an investigation in April 2025. Four months later, the Commission found no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment, or misconduct. The former trustees expressed dismay at the findings and raised concerns about the future of the charity. The current board accepted recommendations to improve internal dispute resolution and organizational governance.
The dispute between Sentebale’s board and Dr. Chandauka escalated further with allegations of financial mismanagement and power struggles. The collapse of the Sentebale Polo Cup, a significant fundraising event, added to the tensions within the organization. The board’s formal request for Dr. Chandauka’s resignation led to legal challenges and subsequent resignations, marking a turbulent period for the charity.
Dr. Chandauka claimed that her refusal to publicly defend Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s wife, strained her relationship with the Duke. A viral incident at a charity event sparked rumours of tension between Markle and Dr. Chandauka, leading to a public fallout. The Duke of Sussex’s involvement in the dispute and his subsequent resignation raised questions about the charity’s leadership and internal dynamics.
In August 2025, the Charity Commission concluded its investigation, finding no evidence to support Dr. Chandauka’s allegations or any overreach by Prince Harry. While acknowledging weaknesses in management and governance, the Commission criticised the handling of the internal dispute. Both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso expressed disappointment over the outcome, citing concerns about the charity’s future and the impact of the dispute on its beneficiaries.
Dr. Chandauka responded to the Commission’s findings, expressing appreciation for the governance concerns raised and condemning the negative media campaign against her. Despite the challenges faced by Sentebale, she highlighted the charity’s founding vision and the positive impact it had on communities in Lesotho and Botswana. The fallout from the Sentebale scandal shed light on the complexities of charity governance and the personal dynamics involved in philanthropic work.
The controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s exit from Sentebale sparked discussions about charity management, transparency, and the role of patrons in nonprofit organisations. As the charity navigates its way forward, the focus remains on upholding its mission of supporting vulnerable children and young people in Southern Africa. The aftermath of the scandal serves as a reminder of the importance of effective governance and ethical leadership in the nonprofit sector.