Prince Harry has made the tough call to step away from Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded nearly 20 years ago in memory of his mother, Princess Diana. The Duke of Sussex, alongside his co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, and other trustees, resigned from their positions following internal conflicts within the organization.
In a heartfelt statement, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso shared that they had no choice but to step down, given the growing tensions between the board and Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chair of the charity’s board.
They described the situation as “devastating” and expressed their sadness over leaving the organization that has helped countless young people in Lesotho and Botswana affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS.
Despite their departure, Harry assured supporters that he will always cherish Sentebale’s mission. He emphasized that the charity’s potential remains strong—as long as it is under the right leadership.
Leadership Battle Sparks Shockwaves in Charity’s Future
The decision to resign came after a serious breakdown in communication between Sentebale’s board members and its chairperson, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. Reports suggest that the charity underwent a major restructuring, which led to growing concerns about Chandauka’s leadership.
Tensions escalated when the board of trustees requested Chandauka to step down—a move she reportedly refused. Instead of leaving her position, Chandauka filed a lawsuit against the charity, further deepening the conflict.
This legal battle left the board with no other option but to step down collectively, as they believed continuing under the current leadership was no longer in the best interest of the organization.
In their statement, the former trustees highlighted their deep regret over leaving but emphasized that they could not support a leadership structure they no longer trusted. They stressed that their priority had always been the well-being of the charity and the children it serves.
Prince Harry “Heartbroken” Over Sentebale Exit
For Prince Harry, walking away from Sentebale was an emotional and unexpected moment. He co-founded the charity in 2006, driven by a passion to support young people in Africa facing extreme poverty and health challenges.
“This is not what we wanted,” Harry said in his statement. “We are truly heartbroken but had to make this difficult decision for the sake of the charity and those it serves.”
Although he has stepped down as a patron, he and Prince Seeiso remain committed to Sentebale’s mission. They plan to take their concerns about the situation to the UK’s Charity Commission, hoping to find a resolution that prioritizes the children who depend on the charity’s work.
Chandauka Hits Back at Accusations, Calls Out “Victim Narrative”
While Prince Harry and the trustees have expressed their devastation, Dr. Sophie Chandauka has fired back, calling the situation more complex than it appears. She has accused both Harry and the trustees of playing the victim card and trying to manipulate public opinion.
In her statement, Chandauka claimed that her actions were guided by fairness and a commitment to Sentebale’s integrity. She also suggested that her leadership was being unfairly challenged due to deeper issues like bullying, power struggles, and discrimination.
She pointed out that the High Court of England and Wales has accepted her case, hinting that there might be legal merit to her claims. Her strong response has only added more fuel to the fire, leaving many questioning how this dispute will impact Sentebale’s future.
What’s Next for Sentebale?
With its founders and board members stepping away, Sentebale faces uncertain times. The organization has played a critical role in supporting vulnerable children in Africa, and its future now depends on new leadership and potential legal resolutions.
For now, Prince Harry, Prince Seeiso, and the former trustees have placed their hopes in regulatory bodies to ensure the charity stays true to its mission. Whether this will lead to a restructure or a complete overhaul, only time will tell. One thing remains clear—Sentebale’s impact on young lives cannot be forgotten.
