Prince Harry Steps Down from Charity After Boardroom Tensions

By HOAR Team 25 March, 2025 4 mins read 22 Views

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Unexpected Departure Shakes Sentebale’s Foundation

Prince Harry has decided to resign from his own charity, Sentebale, following intense disagreements with the organization’s board chair. The Duke of Sussex, who co-founded Sentebale in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, described the decision as “devastating” amid what he termed “unthinkable infighting.”

Rising Tensions with New Leadership

The conflict centers around the new board chair, Zimbabwean lawyer Sophie Chandauka, who is currently taking legal action against Sentebale’s trustees. Reports suggest that Chandauka is suing the trustees after they called for her resignation from her role. This legal battle has intensified the rift within the charity’s leadership.

Resignation Statement Reflects Deep Divide

In a statement seen by The Times, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso announced their resignation as patrons of Sentebale. They expressed solidarity with the board of trustees, who have also stepped down. “It is devastating that the relationship between the charity's trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation,” the statement read.

Charity Commission Steps In

The turmoil within Sentebale has prompted the Charity Commission to launch an investigation into the organization’s governance. A spokesperson for the commission confirmed awareness of the concerns and stated that they are currently assessing the situation to determine the necessary regulatory actions. As of now, no official findings have been released.

Sentebale’s Response and Future Plans

A representative from Sentebale told The Times that the charity is undergoing a “restructuring” of its board. This move is part of a broader strategy to realign senior roles closer to the team and programs operating in southern Africa. The spokesperson highlighted initiatives such as the Return to Southern Africa (RTSA) campaign and the appointment of Carmel Gaillard as Interim Executive Director in Johannesburg as steps towards transforming the charity’s focus.

Sentebale’s Origins and Mission

Prince Harry established Sentebale after his visit to Lesotho in 2004 during his gap year. It was there that he met Prince Seeiso, who had also experienced the loss of his mother. The charity, whose name means “forget-me-not,” was founded in honor of their mothers and aims to support children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.

Impact of the Resignation on Charity’s Work

The departure of Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso as patrons marks a significant shift for Sentebale. While the charity has not yet received formal resignations from the Royal Patrons, the ongoing conflict and leadership changes could affect its operations and future projects. Supporters of Sentebale are watching closely to see how the organization navigates these challenges and continues its mission in the region.

Looking Ahead

As Sentebale undergoes restructuring and faces external scrutiny, the charity’s ability to maintain its programs and support remains uncertain. Prince Harry’s resignation underscores the deep-seated issues within the organization, raising questions about its stability and governance moving forward. The coming months will be crucial in determining Sentebale’s path and its capacity to continue making a difference in the lives of those it aims to help.

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