Prince Harry quits Sentebale charity – Everything we know about bombshell move | Royal | News

On Tuesday, Prince Harry announced the news that he has stepped back from his beloved charity, Sentebale. The organisation, which was co-founded by the Duke and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, has held a special place in Harry’s heart for almost two decades.

After it emerged that both the founders had stepped back from their roles, along with a number of key charity officials, the chairwoman, Dr Sophie Chandauka, issued a blistering statement criticising those who “play the victim card”.

So, what do we know about Prince Harry’s latest move and what has been said?

Sentebale, which means “forget-me-not” in Sesotho, was jointly set up by The Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 and has spent almost two decades dedicating itself to helping African orphans and tackling poverty and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.

Launched in the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the charity’s website explains that Sentebale “works with young people and their communities to create sustainable solutions that address issues of health, wealth inequity, and climate resilience.”

Prince Harry has visited the country many times over the years and first fell in love with the landlocked African nation during his gap year in 2004. His last visit took place in October 2024 and saw him pay tribute to King Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s support over the years.

He said: “The Lesotho royal family, as well as Lesotho itself, has been a pillar of strength for me over the last 20 years, welcoming me with open arms and such kindness.”

The decision to step down came after “unthinkable” controversy from within and has now been met with a statement from the organisation’s chair, Sophie Chandauka, a Zimbabwe-born lawyer who was appointed last year.

The row appears to have stemmed from a decision to move the charity’s fundraising operation to Africa, which has caused several key figures to leave the organisation.

The shocking move, which comes just one year before the charity celebrates its 20th anniversary, came as a shock to many and was met with a joint statement from Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso who said they are “truly heartbroken”. They added that they backed those who left and have therefore resigned as patrons until further notice.

In response, chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka has alleged there was a “cover-up” as she condemned the “weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir [discrimination against black women]”.

The news came as a shock to many and was met with a joint statement from Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso who said they are “truly heartbroken”. They added that they backed those who left and have therefore resigned as patrons until further notice.

The pair said in a joint statement: “These trustees acted in the best interest of the charity in asking the chair to step down, while keeping the wellbeing of staff in mind.

“In turn, she sued the charity to remain in this voluntary position, further underscoring the broken relationship. We thank all the trustees for their service over the years and are truly heartbroken they’ve had to follow through with this act.

“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.

“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.”

Prince Harry’s decision to step down came after the controversy has been addressed in a a statement from the organisation’s chair, Sophie Chandauka.

She said: “I am an African who has had the privilege of a world-class education and career. I will not be intimidated. I must stand for something. I stand for those other women who do not have the ways and means.

“I chose to join Sentebale first and foremost as a proud African who understands that, in the spirit of ubuntu: to whom much is given, much is expected. Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organisation, its mission, and the young people we serve. My actions are guided by the principles of fairness and equitable treatment for all, regardless of social status or financial means.

“There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people, and then play the victim card and use the very press they disdain to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct.

“Discerning readers will ask themselves: why would the Chair of the Board report her own Trustees to the Charity Commission? Why would the High Court of England and Wales accept her application to hear the matter at all if the case had no merit?

“Well, because beneath all the victim narrative and fiction that has been syndicated to press is the story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle.”