Prince Harry resigns from charity amid allegations of abuse of power and racism

Prince Harry resigned as patron of Sentebale, the charity he founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. His departure comes at a time of deep crisis within the foundation, which also led to the resignation of its co-founder and board of directors.

Internal dispute

Founded in memory of Princess Diana, Sentebale has a mission to support orphaned and HIV-affected minors in Lesotho and Botswana. However, the organization has been fractured following a leadership dispute that culminated in the resignation of its board of directors.

The conflict erupted after the new chair, Sophie Chandauka, appointed in 2024, reported to the UK Charity Commission alleged irregularities within the NGO, including abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, and racism against Black women. In his report, Chandauka called Sentebale a "vanity project" of Harry and Seeiso.

Following these accusations, the board attempted to remove her, but Chandauka resisted the pressure, deepening the internal rift.

Resignation of Harry and Seeiso

Under the argument of solidarity with the board of directors, Harry and Seeiso announced their resignation.

"With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organization until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same. It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation," they said in a joint statement.

The Duke of Sussex said he was "shocked" by the situation, but Chandauka accused him of victimizing himself and using the media to discredit those who question his stewardship.

"There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people and then play the victim card and use the very press they disdain to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct," he declared.

She added that her case represents "the story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir [misogyny directed towards Black women], and the cover-up that ensued."

Uncertain future for Sentebale

The controversy leaves Sentebale in an uncertain situation, with the need to reorganize its leadership following the departure of its founders and the internal fracturing that has marked its recent history.