Duke of Sussex steps down as patron; Charity Commission investigates internal turmoil
Prince Harry has announced his resignation as patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago with Prince Seeiso, amid an escalating governance dispute.
The charity, which supports vulnerable individuals in Lesotho and Botswana affected by poverty, HIV, and AIDS, is now under investigation by the Charity Commission following a breakdown between trustees and board chair Sophie Chandauka.
In a joint statement, Harry and Seeiso described the ongoing conflict as "unthinkable," citing an "untenable situation" that forced their resignation. "Nearly 20 years ago, we founded Sentebale in honour of our mothers," the princes said. "Today, with heavy hearts, we step down in solidarity with trustees who have also resigned."
The dispute centres on Chandauka's refusal to step down amid criticism from trustees who questioned her suitability for the role. Chandauka has initiated legal action against trustees who sought her resignation.
Harry and Seeiso openly sided with the trustees, affirming their decision to challenge Chandauka, saying her lawsuit underscored the severity of the governance breakdown. Several trustees, including Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West, have also resigned from the charity.
A spokesperson for Sentebale stated the charity had not yet received formal notice of Harry's resignation, describing recent board changes as part of an "ambitious transformation agenda."
Harry last visited Africa to support Sentebale in 2024, attending a charity event in New York in December.
