Prince Harry has made the “devastating” decision to step down from his role at Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded in 2006 to honor his late mother, Princess Diana. The move comes amid reported governance issues within the organization, which is currently under investigation by the U.K.’s Charity Commission.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, founded Sentebale alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho nearly 20 years ago. The charity’s mission is to support young people affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis in Lesotho and across southern Africa.
However, both co-founders have now resigned, citing an irreparable breakdown between the charity’s chairwoman, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, and the board of trustees.
In a joint statement, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso expressed their deep disappointment: “What’s transpired is unthinkable. We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries, so we will be sharing all of our concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about.”
The charity has faced internal turmoil, with its trustees—including Mark Dyer, a close friend of Prince Harry—also stepping down. The dispute reportedly arose when the trustees asked Dr. Chandauka to step down from her role as chair, citing governance concerns. In response, she sued the charity to retain her position.
“With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organization until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same,” Harry and Seeiso stated. “It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation.”
Dr. Chandauka, in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, defended her position, saying she had been “guided by the principles of fairness and equitable treatment for all, regardless of social status or financial means.” She further alleged that the governance issues stemmed from “abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir – and the coverup that ensued.”
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, however, stood by the trustees, stating: “These trustees acted in the best interest of the charity in asking the chair to step down while keeping the well-being of staff in mind. In turn, she sued the charity to remain in this voluntary position, further underscoring the broken relationship.”
Despite their resignation, the two founders remain committed to Sentebale’s mission. “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,” their statement concluded.
Prince Harry has long been deeply involved with Sentebale, frequently visiting Lesotho and raising millions through annual charity polo matches.
His departure marks a significant turning point for the organization, leaving many to wonder what lies ahead for its future.
