In March 2025, Prince Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, resigned from their patronage roles at Sentebale, a charity they established in 2006 to honor their late mothers, Princess Diana and Queen Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. This unexpected departure was the culmination of internal disputes and allegations that have rocked the organization.
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Sentebale, meaning "forget-me-not" in Sesotho, was founded with the mission to support vulnerable children and adolescents affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. The charity provides a safe environment for these youths to address their mental health and receive peer support. Over the years, Sentebale expanded its focus to include broader youth health and climate resilience issues.
The rift within Sentebale began with disagreements between the charity's board of trustees and its chairwoman, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, appointed in 2023. The primary contention was over the organization's fundraising focus, with Chandauka advocating for a shift towards African-based initiatives, diverging from Sentebale's traditional focus on Lesotho and Botswana. This strategic pivot led to tensions and a breakdown in governance.
In response to these disagreements, five trustees resigned, citing concerns over governance and leadership. Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso followed suit, expressing their heartbreak over the situation. They emphasized their continued commitment to Sentebale's beneficiaries despite stepping down from their roles as patrons.
Dr. Chandauka did not accept the resignations quietly; she initiated legal action against the charity, alleging poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, and misogyny within the organization. She also reported these concerns to the Charity Commission, positioning herself as a whistleblower against systemic issues within Sentebale.