The Dispute Over Sentebale

Background of Sentebale

The Dispute over Sentebale: Sentebale, meaning “forget-me-not” in Sesotho, was established by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in memory of their late mothers, Princess Diana and Queen Mohato Seeiso. The charity was born out of Harry’s visit to Lesotho during a gap year in 2004, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on vulnerable children. Over the years, Sentebale has expanded its focus to encompass not only health but also education and advocacy for youth in the region, particularly in addressing issues of climate change and economic resilience.

The Announcement of Resignation

On March 25, 2025, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso announced their resignation from Sentebale during a joint statement that expressed their solidarity with the charity’s trustees who had recently stepped down amid a dispute with Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chairperson of the board. The former trustees included Mark Dyer, Timothy Boucher, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West, who cited a “loss of trust and confidence” in Dr. Chandauka as their reason for departure.

The princes’ announcement was laden with emotion, stating, “Nearly 20 years ago, we founded Sentebale in honour of our mothers… Today is no different. With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organisation until further notice.” They emphasized the need to prioritize the charity’s beneficiaries amid what they termed an “untenable situation” caused by the breakdown of relations between the board of trustees and Dr. Chandauka.

The Dispute over Sentebale

Dr. Sophie Chandauka’s Response

In the wake of the resignations, Dr. Chandauka reacted robustly, asserting her commitment to the integrity of Sentebale and expressing her refusal to be intimidated. She stated, “Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organisation,” and accused the departing trustees of creating a “victim narrative” to undermine her leadership.

Dr. Chandauka reported that she had filed a complaint against the outgoing trustees with the Charity Commission and claimed that a UK court had issued an injunction preventing them from removing her from her position. Her statements indicated a deep-seated conflict within the charity, suggesting that broader governance issues, including allegations of bullying and abuse of power, were at the heart of the dispute.

Accusations and Counter-Accusations

Subsequent to the announcement, Dr. Chandauka appeared on Sky News, where she accused Prince Harry of authorizing the release of damaging information about her without her knowledge, describing it as harassment and bullying at scale. She claimed that the charity had lost sponsors and donors following the Sussexes’ departure from the UK, attributing the losses directly to Harry’s reputation.

In an astonishing admission, Dr. Chandauka labeled Harry the “number one risk” to Sentebale, alleging that he attempted to undermine her position and influence decision-making within the organization. She detailed instances where she felt bullied during board meetings, suggesting that Harry’s presence stifled open discussion and led to decisions being made without her input.

The Duke’s Response to Chandauka’s Claims

In light of Dr. Chandauka’s assertions, a source close to Prince Harry and the former trustees strongly refuted her claims, labeling them as “categorically false” and “completely baseless.” The source emphasized that the trustees acted in the best interests of the charity and that the allegations of bullying and intimidation were unfounded. They further contended that the assertion that Harry’s departure from the UK had negatively impacted the charity’s funding was misleading.

The source also contested Dr. Chandauka’s account of events surrounding a polo fundraiser, suggesting that her portrayal was highly inaccurate. Despite the rising tensions and the public nature of the dispute, Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex opted to refrain from issuing a formal response to the interview.

The Role of the Charity Commission

As the fallout from this dispute continued to unfold, the Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, announced that it would be opening a compliance case to assess the concerns raised about Sentebale. The Commission’s focus will be on whether the current and former trustees, including Dr. Chandauka, have fulfilled their legal duties under charity law.

In response to the news, Prince Harry expressed his heartbreak over the situation, stating that “no one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself.” He voiced his support for the Charity Commission’s inquiry, which he hoped would reveal the truth behind the troubling circumstances leading to their resignations.

Sentebale’s Internal Dynamics

The discord within Sentebale has raised questions about the governance and management practices of the charity, particularly regarding the significant consultancy fees reportedly incurred under Dr. Chandauka’s leadership. A breakdown of expenditures revealed that nearly half a million pounds had been spent on consultancy services, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the decision-making processes surrounding these financial commitments.

Experts in charity governance have suggested that the Charity Commission will scrutinize the nature and necessity of these expenses as part of its investigation. Sentebale’s spokesperson defended the spending, asserting that all decisions were appropriately vetted and aligned with the organization’s goals.

The Future of Sentebale

As the investigation by the Charity Commission progresses, the future of Sentebale hangs in the balance. The charity’s founding princes have expressed their hope that the inquiry will lead to a resolution that prioritizes the needs of the vulnerable children and families they aim to support. The challenges posed by this internal conflict could have lasting implications for Sentebale’s operations and reputation.

In the meantime, the charity remains committed to its mission of assisting children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana, particularly in addressing the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis and expanding its focus to encompass broader issues affecting youth health and well-being in the region. With the support of dedicated staff and volunteers, Sentebale aims to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves, despite the tumultuous circumstances that have arisen.

Conclusion

The recent developments surrounding Prince Harry’s departure from Sentebale serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in charitable organizations, particularly those led by high-profile individuals. The clash of interests, allegations of misconduct, and the potential for reputational damage highlight the need for strong governance and transparent communication within the charity sector.

As the investigation by the Charity Commission unfolds, the hope remains that the truth will emerge and that Sentebale can navigate this tumultuous period while continuing to provide essential support to the children and communities it serves. The legacy of Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso’s vision for Sentebale must endure, even in the face of challenges, as the charity strives to uphold its commitment to the most vulnerable in society.