In brief
In a significant move, Prince Harry has stepped down as patron of Sentebale, a charity he co-founded to aid communities in southern Africa. This decision comes after a serious governance conflict within the organization.
On March 26, 2025, Prince Harry, founder of the charity, announced his resignation in a joint statement with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, also a patron. The announcement follows the resignation of five trustees from the board of Sentebale, which has been embroiled in disputes regarding its leadership. The two princes expressed deep concern over the untenable situation that led to their decision, stating that they would report their concerns to the Charity Commission. Founded in 2006 in memory of Princess Diana, Sentebale was established to support communities in Lesotho affected by the HIV pandemic. In recent years, it expanded its mission to address substance abuse and gender-based violence among youth, but internal conflicts have led to turmoil. The resigning trustees cited a breakdown of trust and confidence in the board chair, Sophie Chandauka, who reportedly initiated legal actions to prevent her ousting. This legal entanglement prompted the trustees to exit, emphasizing their intention to avoid burdening the charity with impending legal costs. Despite stepping down, both princes affirmed their commitment to supporting Sentebale's beneficiaries, underscoring the importance of the charity's mission amidst turmoil.
