Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has stepped down as a patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded to support young people living with HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. This decision, described by the Prince as “devastating,” stems from an irreconcilable breakdown in the relationship between the charity’s trustees and its chair, Sophie Chandauka.
The situation has escalated dramatically, with Chandauka reporting the trustees to Britain’s Charity Commission, prompting a formal investigation into the charity’s governance. The Prince, alongside his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, has publicly declared their withdrawal from their patron roles until the matter is resolved.
“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,” the joint statement issued by Harry and Seeiso conveyed, highlighting the depth of the schism.
Sentebale, meaning “forget-me-not” in Lesotho’s local language, was established in 2006 as a tribute to Princess Diana, Harry’s mother, who was passionate about humanitarian causes, particularly those related to HIV/AIDS. For many, Sentebale represented a continuation of Diana’s legacy, and Harry’s deep personal investment added another layer of importance to the work being done.
However, the current crisis threatens to overshadow the charity’s vital mission. The trustees, in their statement, asserted they acted “in the best interests of the charity” when they asked Chandauka to step down. This assertion, however, has been countered by Chandauka, who has made serious allegations regarding the charity’s internal operations.
“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,” Chandauka stated, implying serious misconduct. She further alleged “issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir – and the cover-up that ensued.”
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The Charity Commission has confirmed it is aware of the concerns and is “assessing the issues to determine the appropriate regulatory steps.” This intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential implications for the charity’s future.
For the young people in Lesotho and Botswana who rely on Sentebale’s support, this internal conflict creates uncertainty and potential disruption. The charity’s work is not merely administrative; it provides essential services and hope to vulnerable individuals. The emotional toll of this dispute is undeniable, as it impacts the very people the charity aims to serve.
The future of Sentebale, and the well-being of those it serves, now hangs in the balance.
Despite their resignation as patrons, Harry and Seeiso have pledged their enduring commitment to the charity’s mission. “Although we may no longer be Patrons, we will always be its founders, and we will never forget what this charity is capable of achieving when it is in the right care,” they affirmed.
