In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry and Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso have announced their resignation as patrons of Sentebale, the charity they co-founded in 2006 to honor the legacies of Princess Diana and Seeiso’s late mother. This decision comes in the wake of a significant dispute within the charity’s leadership, raising questions about governance and accountability in charitable organizations.
Dispute within the charity’s leadership
The princes expressed their disappointment in a statement to The Times, revealing that their resignations were made in solidarity with the charity’s board of trustees, who also stepped down. “With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organization until further notice,” they stated, emphasizing the untenable situation that arose from a breakdown in relations between the board and its chair, Sophie Chandauka.
Chandauka, a Zimbabwe-born lawyer appointed as chair in July 2023, reportedly faced calls from trustees to resign, which she refused. This refusal led to a mass resignation of the board, including Mark Dyer, a close friend of Prince Harry. The situation has been described as “devastating,” with the princes highlighting the need for a charity to operate in the best interests of its beneficiaries and staff.
Allegations and accusations
In the wake of the resignations, Chandauka has made serious allegations against the charity, claiming that she reported Sentebale to the UK’s Charity Commission over accusations of a “cover-up” and issues related to racism and sexism. Her statement reflects a broader concern about the treatment of individuals within the organization, asserting that fairness and equitable treatment should be paramount.
A source close to Prince Harry indicated that the resigning trustees were particularly worried about financial mismanagement during Chandauka’s tenure, suggesting that tensions had been escalating since December. The princes have committed to sharing their concerns with the Charity Commission, stating, “What’s transpired is unthinkable.” This commitment underscores their ongoing responsibility to the charity’s beneficiaries.
The legacy of Sentebale
Founded nearly two decades ago, Sentebale, which translates to “forget-me-not” in Sesotho, has aimed to support vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana. In their resignation statement, Harry and Seeiso reflected on the charity’s roots and their dedication to the young people they serve. “Today is no different,” they affirmed, reiterating their commitment to the mission of Sentebale despite the current turmoil.
The public appearances of Harry and Chandauka together at recent charity events had previously suggested a united front, making the current developments all the more shocking. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Sentebale will navigate this leadership crisis and what implications it may have for its future operations.