Prince Harry Resigns from Sentebale Amid Charity Crisis

London, England — Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, announced his resignation from the charity Sentebale on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, amid ongoing disputes and infighting within the organization. Established in 2006 in collaboration with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Sentebale aims to support vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana, particularly those affected by HIV and AIDS.

The decision to step down comes as former trustees, including notable figures such as Timothy Boucher and Mark Dyer, have unanimously resigned from their roles over a contentious relationship with the charity’s chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. In their joint statement, Harry and Seeiso expressed their heartbreak, stating, “What’s transpired is unthinkable. We are in shock that we have to do this.”

The turmoil within Sentebale appears to have escalated after a fallout regarding the charity’s fundraising strategies. Dr. Chandauka, appointed in 2023, reportedly sued the charity after being asked to resign, claiming she was a victim of “abuse of power” and “harassment.” The situation has prompted the Charity Commission to investigate the governance of the organization.

“The relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation,” the statement from Harry and Seeiso continued, acknowledging the difficult circumstances that led to the current crisis.

Both founders of Sentebale expressed their unwavering commitment to the charity’s beneficiaries, stating they would share their concerns regarding the governance issues with the Charity Commission. “Our priority has always been, and will always be, what’s in the best interest of the charity,” they added.

Dr. Chandauka defended her position in a response, emphasizing her dedication to maintaining the charity’s integrity and to advocating for those who lack the means to speak up. “Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organization,” she stated, alluding to ongoing internal conflicts.

The public scrutiny surrounding Sentebale is compounded by the departure of multiple key figures, including the charity’s chief executive Richard Miller and trustee Johnny Hornby. Former trustees expressed deep regret over their resignations, indicating a severe loss of trust in the chair’s leadership.

“This was not a choice willingly made, but rather something we felt forced into in order to look after the charity,” they expressed in a separate statement. They emphasized the importance of Sentebale’s mission and its profound impact on the communities it serves.

Since its inception nearly two decades ago, Sentebale has been instrumental in addressing the needs of children affected by HIV and AIDS. It remains a critical resource in the efforts to improve health, education, and well-being in Southern Africa.