Additional Coverage:
- Prince Harry ‘in shock’ as he quits African charity amid foundation’s mounting legal issues (foxnews.com)
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho have stepped down from their roles as patrons of Sentebale, the African AIDS charity they co-founded nearly two decades ago. The resignations follow an irreparable breakdown in the relationship between the charity’s trustees and board chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka.
In a joint statement, the princes expressed their devastation and shock at the situation. They emphasized their continued commitment to the charity’s beneficiaries and pledged to share their concerns with the Charity Commission.
The pair founded Sentebale in 2006 in honor of their mothers, Princess Diana and Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. The charity’s name, meaning “forget-me-not,” reflects their promise to the young people they serve in Lesotho and Botswana.
According to reports, tensions arose following a restructuring of the board and concerns raised about Chandauka’s leadership. The situation escalated with Chandauka reportedly suing the charity’s trustees, including the princes, and accusing them of playing the “victim card.”
In her own statement, Chandauka defended her actions, citing principles of fairness and equitable treatment. She further alleged poor governance, bullying, harassment, and a cover-up within the organization, claiming to be a whistleblower facing retaliation.
The princes stated they resigned in solidarity with the trustees, who also stepped down. They expressed heartbreak over the situation but affirmed their enduring connection to Sentebale as its founders.