Prince Harry Sued for Libel by Charity He Co-Founded in Memory of Mother Princess Diana

**Prince Harry Faces Libel Lawsuit from Charity Sentebale**

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is at the centre of a legal dispute as he faces a libel lawsuit from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006. This surprising turn of events follows his departure from the organisation last year amidst a tumultuous leadership conflict.

Court documents indicate that the lawsuit was filed on 24 March 2025 in London’s High Court against both Prince Harry and Mark Dyer, a former trustee of Sentebale. The allegations specifically pertain to “defamation, libel, and slander.” Sentebale’s Board of Trustees and Executive Director issued a statement on 10 April, announcing the initiation of legal proceedings against the two men, citing a “coordinated adverse media campaign” that has purportedly caused significant operational disruption, as well as reputational damage to the charity and its partners.

The charity’s statement expressed concern over actions taken against it, stating that the adverse media campaign has triggered a wave of cyberbullying targeting both the organisation and its leadership. Despite these claims, a spokesperson for Harry and Dyer has firmly rejected what they refer to as “offensive and damaging claims.” They highlighted the irony of charitable funds being utilised for legal pursuits rather than assisting the communities that Sentebale was established to support.

Sentebale was created with the intention of providing support to children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana, and was established by Prince Harry in collaboration with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, honouring the memories of their late mothers, Princess Diana and Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. The charity’s mission has traditionally centred on aiding vulnerable youth impacted by HIV/AIDS and mental health issues.

Last year, both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso stepped back from Sentebale amidst accusations of bullying, racism, and misogyny directed at Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the charity’s current chair. While these allegations were thoroughly examined, the Charity Commission for England and Wales reported in August that it had found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment within the organisation. The Commission did, however, criticise the handling of the internal dispute, stating that better governance could have mitigated the reputational risks the charity faced.

In light of these findings, Prince Harry’s spokesperson released a statement arguing that the Commission’s conclusions exonerated the Duke from any wrongdoing and emphasised the importance of focusing on the children served by Sentebale. They conveyed concern that instead of moving forward, the charity was mired in legal battles that ultimately detract from its crucial work.

Sentebale’s current leadership has confirmed acceptance of the Charity Commission’s recommendations and is committed to implementing changes to improve organizational governance and address dispute resolution internally. This includes an action plan aimed at enhancing complaints procedures and creating clearer delegations of authority within the charity.

However, amidst ongoing disputes and the public infighting that has characterised recent months, sources close to the charity have indicated that any chance of Prince Harry returning to Sentebale has dissipated. The charity has reportedly become too tarnished by the controversies and conflicts that have arisen since his departure.

The situation has drawn significant media attention, with many observers questioning the future of the charity and the impact of this legal action on its operations and reputation. As the lawsuit unfolds, details regarding the specific claims made by Sentebale against Prince Harry and Mark Dyer are likely to emerge, further shaping the narrative surrounding this high-profile case.

Both Prince Harry and Sentebale have expressed their commitment to their respective missions, yet the path ahead remains uncertain. In a world where charitable organisations rely heavily on public trust and support, the ramifications of this legal battle could resonate far beyond the courtroom. As stakeholders await further developments, the focus remains on the vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana who continue to depend on the services provided by Sentebale.