Prince Harry Resigns from African Charity Amid Boardroom Turmoil
Royal steps down from Sentebale foundation after governance dispute escalates
Prince Harry has dramatically resigned as patron of Sentebale, the southern African charity he co-founded in 2006 to honor his late mother Princess Diana, following an irreparable breakdown with the organization’s leadership. The decision marks a painful rupture in Harry’s nearly two-decade commitment to HIV/AIDS advocacy in Lesotho and Botswana.
The Fracture
In a joint statement with co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Harry revealed their resignation came after:
✔ Boardroom collapse: Relationship with chair Sophie Chandauka “broke down beyond repair”
✔ Trustee exodus: Multiple board members already departed
✔ Legal escalation: Chandauka sued to retain her position after trustees sought her removal
“What’s transpired is unthinkable. We have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries,” the princes stated, expressing “heavy hearts” over their decision.
Dueling Narratives
Chandauka’s Claims:
The Zimbabwe-born lawyer alleges she faced retaliation for exposing:
- Poor governance and weak management
- Abuse of power and bullying culture
- Misogyny and “misogynoir” (anti-Black misogyny)
- Attempted cover-ups
“This isn’t a vanity project I can resign from when held accountable,” Chandauka told AFP, confirming she:
- Reported trustees to UK Charity Commission
- Filed High Court case to retain her role
Royal Response:
Harry and Seeiso counter that Chandauka:
- Refused trustee requests to step down
- Forced their resignations through litigation
- Will submit their own evidence to regulators
Charity at Crossroads
Sentebale confirmed receiving no formal resignations but acknowledged evolving its mission from HIV/AIDS focus to broader youth health, wealth, and climate resilience programs—a shift some insiders suggest fueled tensions.
Broader Implications
The scandal raises urgent questions:
- Governance: How UK-registered charities oversee leadership transitions
- Royal Legacy: Potential damage to Harry’s philanthropic reputation
- Accountability: Whistleblower protections in international NGOs
Industry analysts note the Charity Commission now faces dual complaints about an organization that managed £5.3m in 2023 funding.
Next Steps:
- UK regulators expected to launch inquiry
- High Court hearing pending
- Donor confidence monitoring underway
“This isn’t just about personalities—it’s about ensuring vulnerable African youth aren’t collateral damage,” said philanthropy expert Dr. Nomsa Mbere.
