Additional Coverage:
A charity co-founded by Prince Harry in Africa to honor his late mother, Princess Diana, has filed a defamation lawsuit against him following his resignation as patron last year.
Sentebale, established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support youths living with HIV in southern Africa, initiated the legal action last month in London’s High Court, according to court records. The suit targets Harry and Mark Dyer, a trustee of the charity, alleging libel or slander, though specific documents have not been made public.
In a statement on its website, Sentebale explained the lawsuit is a response to what it described as a coordinated negative media campaign since March 25, 2025, which has caused operational disruptions and reputational damage to the charity, its leadership, and partners. The charity’s name means “forget-me-not” in the local language of Lesotho, where it operates.
Tensions came to light in 2023 over a proposed new fundraising strategy. Both Harry and Seeiso stepped down as patrons in March 2025, citing irreparable differences between the board and its chair, Sophie Chandauka. Their departure followed the resignation of five trustees amid an internal dispute that became public.
Harry and Seeiso expressed shock at the situation, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to the charity’s beneficiaries and announcing plans to raise their concerns with the Charity Commission. Subsequently, Chandauka accused Harry of orchestrating a campaign of bullying and harassment aimed at forcing her out. In interviews, she described Harry’s resignation as a “blindsiding” event and alleged interference with a whistleblower complaint she submitted.
The Charity Commission for England and Wales investigated the matter and publicly criticized both sides for airing their conflict in the media, which damaged Sentebale’s reputation. However, the commission found no evidence of widespread bullying or misogyny within the organization. David Holdsworth, the commission’s CEO, highlighted the risk the dispute posed to the charity’s mission and achievements.
While Harry’s representatives have expressed disagreement with the commission’s findings, Chandauka welcomed the report. Requests for comment from the Duke of Sussex’s office have not yet been answered.