Prince Harry has resigned as patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded to support young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana, following an internal dispute between the board of trustees and the charity’s chair, Sophie Chandauka. The decision marks a significant shift in his long-standing commitment to the organization, which he established in 2006 in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana.
Harry co-founded Sentebale alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who has also stepped down along with the charity’s entire board of trustees. Their resignation follows a protracted conflict with Chandauka, who is now pursuing legal action in an attempt to retain her position as chair of the board.
In a joint statement released via Sky News, Harry and Prince Seeiso expressed their dismay over the situation, calling it “devastating” that tensions within the leadership had escalated to an irreparable level. They emphasized that the trustees had acted in the charity’s best interests when they sought to remove Chandauka but acknowledged that the breakdown in governance made their continued involvement untenable.
Sentebale, meaning “forget-me-not” in Sesotho, has played a crucial role in supporting vulnerable children and young people in southern Africa, offering healthcare, education, and psychosocial support. Harry has been deeply involved in humanitarian efforts across the continent for years, with Africa holding a special place in his heart. Despite his departure from the charity’s leadership, he and Seeiso reaffirmed their commitment to its mission, stating, “Although we may no longer be Patrons, we will always be its founders, and we will never forget what this charity is capable of achieving when it is in the right care.”
The fallout comes as Harry continues to navigate his post-royal life in California with his wife Meghan and their two children. While he formally stepped down as a working member of the British royal family in 2020, he remains engaged in philanthropic work, including his ongoing support for various African causes. His recent visit to Nigeria underscored his enduring connection to the continent.
As Sentebale moves forward without its founders at the helm, its future leadership and direction remain uncertain.
