Prince Harry resigns from Sentebale after a dramatic leadership fallout within the charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago, citing heartbreak and shock over recent events.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, co-founders of Sentebale, stepped down as patrons “until further notice” following a wave of trustee resignations and escalating tensions with the charity’s chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka.
Charity governance conflict sparks royal exit
Sentebale, established in 2006 by the Duke of Sussex in memory of his mother Princess Diana, faced internal turmoil after several trustees resigned in protest over leadership issues. The Times reported that the dispute was linked to a decision to shift the organisation’s fundraising focus toward Africa.
In a joint statement, Harry and Seeiso supported the trustees’ call for the chair to resign, criticizing Chandauka’s decision to take legal action to retain her voluntary post. “These trustees acted in the best interest of the charity… She sued the charity to remain… further underscoring the broken relationship,” they said.
They added, “We are truly heartbroken… What’s transpired is unthinkable. We have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries, so we will share our concerns with the Charity Commission.”
Former trustees speak out
Five trustees—Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West—confirmed their resignation, citing a complete breakdown in trust with the chair. “Today’s decision is nothing short of devastating… but we see no other path forward,” their statement read.
Charity’s response and restructuring
Despite the fallout, Sentebale stated it had not received formal resignations from Harry or Prince Seeiso. A spokesperson confirmed the charity had restructured its board on March 25, 2025, bringing in new experts to support its ongoing transformation agenda.
Dr. Chandauka defends actions amid backlash
In a statement, Chandauka claimed her actions were rooted in protecting Sentebale’s integrity and governance. She alleged that her push for transparency and fairness was met with hostility, bullying, and even legal pushback. “There are people… who mistreat others, and then play the victim card,” she said.
Chandauka questioned why she was forced to seek an emergency injunction from the High Court of England and Wales to stop her removal, arguing her case was about exposing poor governance and systemic misconduct.
Charity Commission investigating
The UK’s Charity Commission acknowledged ongoing concerns surrounding Sentebale’s governance. “We are assessing the issues to determine the appropriate regulatory steps,” the agency stated.
Founded to support vulnerable children and HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Lesotho and Botswana, Sentebale now faces an uncertain future without its royal figureheads and key leadership figures.
