Prince Harry has officially resigned as a patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded to support young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. His decision follows an internal leadership dispute that he described as "devastating."
A Charity Rooted in Legacy
Harry, the Duke of Sussex and younger son of King Charles III, established Sentebale in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The organization was founded in memory of Princess Diana, whose humanitarian work with HIV/AIDS patients left a lasting impact. "Sentebale" translates to "forget-me-not" in Lesotho’s native language—a tribute to both Diana’s legacy and the children the charity serves.
Internal Conflict Leads to Resignations
Tensions within Sentebale’s leadership came to a head following disputes between the board of trustees and chairperson Sophie Chandauka. As a result, both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso announced their departures, citing irreconcilable differences.
"It is devastating that the relationship between the trustees and the chair of the board has broken down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation," Harry and Seeiso stated in a joint message to the media.
The dispute escalated when Chandauka reported the trustees to Britain’s Charity Commission, prompting an organizational shake-up. The trustees had reportedly requested Chandauka’s resignation, arguing that their actions were in the charity’s best interests.
Despite stepping down, Harry and Seeiso emphasized their ongoing commitment to Sentebale’s mission. "Although we may no longer be Patrons, we will always be its founders and will never forget what this charity is capable of achieving when in the right hands," they affirmed.
Chandauka Stands Firm
While Harry and Seeiso have withdrawn, Sentebale clarified that it has not officially received their resignations. In response to the controversy, Chandauka vowed to continue fulfilling her duties.
"There are people who behave as though they are above the law, mistreat others, and then play the victim card. They use the very press they disdain to attack those who challenge them," she remarked, without naming specific individuals.
Harry’s Continued Philanthropic Efforts
Though no longer formally associated with Sentebale, Prince Harry remains deeply involved in charitable work across Africa. He has spent years advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness and reportedly visited Nigeria in 2023 as part of his humanitarian initiatives.
As the dust settles on Sentebale’s leadership crisis, the future of the charity remains uncertain. However, its founding mission—to support vulnerable youth in Southern Africa—continues to be a cause that both Harry and Seeiso hold dear.