An internal conflict has shaken Sentebale, the charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 to support youth affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. In March 2025, Harry, Seeiso, and five trustees resigned due to disputes with the chair, Sophie Chandauka, who accused the group of misconduct, including harassment and mismanagement. The Charity Commission, the UK regulator, investigated the allegations and concluded in August 2025 that there was no evidence of systemic bullying or discrimination but criticized all parties for allowing the dispute to become public, damaging the organization’s reputation. The crisis, centered on disagreements over a new U.S. fundraising strategy, raised concerns about Sentebale’s financial future. Harry expressed disappointment with the report, while Chandauka defended her leadership.
Harry’s resignation, tied to a deeply personal project honoring his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, marked the end of his involvement with Sentebale. The dispute exposed governance weaknesses, raising questions about the sustainability of the charity’s mission to help youth in Lesotho and Botswana.
- Key points of the crisis:
- Resignation of Harry, Seeiso, and five trustees in March 2025.
- Chandauka’s accusations of mismanagement and harassment by former trustees.
- Charity Commission report criticized public dispute and lack of role clarity.
- Tension focused on a new U.S. fundraising strategy questioned by trustees.
The impact of Harry’s exit sparked debates about Sentebale’s future, which now faces the challenge of rebuilding donor trust and sustaining its mission.
Origin of the crisis and internal tensions
Sentebale, created to honor the mothers of its founders, Diana and Queen ‘Mamohato of Lesotho, faced issues since Sophie Chandauka’s appointment as chair in July 2023. The Zimbabwean lawyer, with experience at firms like Morgan Stanley and Meta, aimed to modernize the organization by shifting decisions to Africa and diversifying fundraising. The strategy, which included hiring Lebec consultancy for £500,000, sparked friction with trustees who questioned its financial outcomes.
Chandauka claimed Harry’s 2020 departure from the UK, after stepping back from royal duties, negatively impacted donors. She argued his “toxic” public image hindered corporate sponsorships. Sources close to Harry countered, noting his involvement in events like the Sentebale Polo Cup and a £1.2 million donation from his book Spare were vital to the charity.
- Facts about the initial tension:
- U.S. fundraising strategy cost £500,000 but yielded poor results.
- Harry donated £1.2 million from Spare in 2023, bolstering finances.
- Chandauka criticized reliance on events tied to Harry’s image.
The dispute escalated when trustees demanded Chandauka’s resignation, prompting her to file a lawsuit in England’s High Court and report issues to the Charity Commission.
Reactions to the Charity Commission investigation
The Charity Commission’s investigation, launched in April 2025, examined Chandauka’s allegations of bullying, harassment, misogyny, and “misogynoir” (discrimination against Black women). The August report dismissed evidence of systemic issues but acknowledged perceptions of mistreatment among parties. The regulator criticized the public nature of the conflict, fueled by Chandauka’s media interviews with outlets like Financial Times and Sky News.
Harry and former trustees expressed frustration, stating the report “fell short” by not holding Chandauka accountable for the dispute’s fallout. A spokesperson for Harry emphasized that Sentebale was a “deeply personal” project, and he would now explore new ways to support youth in Lesotho and Botswana.
- Key report findings:
- No evidence of systemic bullying or discrimination.
- Public dispute damaged Sentebale’s reputation.
- Regulatory action plan demands clarity in roles and better conflict management.
- Finances were stable as of August 2023.
Chandauka celebrated her continued leadership, stating Sentebale emerged “stronger” and committed to its mission.
Financial impact and future challenges
The crisis exposed Sentebale’s financial vulnerabilities, with revenue dropping to £2.39 million in 2020, recovering to £4.55 million in 2022, partly due to Harry’s donation. Chandauka’s U.S. fundraising strategy aimed to attract high-net-worth donors but disappointed trustees with its initial results.
Sources close to the charity confirm 60% of institutional donors remain, ensuring operations in Lesotho and Botswana. However, Harry’s exit, whose image drew sponsors, may hinder future fundraising. Experts fear the public dispute could deter new supporters, threatening programs aiding over 100,000 youth.
- Key financial data:
- Revenue of £2.39 million in 2020, rising to £4.55 million in 2022.
- Harry’s £1.2 million donation in 2023.
- Lebec contract cost £500,000 for 65 donor contacts.
- 60% of donors are institutional, supporting current operations.
Sentebale now faces the challenge of rebuilding its reputation and diversifying revenue without Harry’s presence.
Personal conflicts and public accusations
The relationship between Harry and Chandauka soured after public incidents, like a April 2024 polo event where Meghan Markle asked Chandauka to step aside for a photo. The moment, captured on video, fueled speculation of tension. Chandauka declined public comment, refusing to feed the “Sussex PR machine.”
Chandauka’s allegations of misogyny and discrimination were refuted by former trustees like Kelello Lerotholi, who denied improper conduct in meetings. Chandauka positioned herself as a whistleblower, claiming resistance to her efforts to modernize Sentebale and empower African leaders.
- Key conflict moments:
- Polo event incident in 2024 sparked public friction.
- Chandauka accused Harry of sabotaging the organization.
- Former trustees denied allegations, citing Chandauka’s mismanagement.
The dispute highlighted cultural divides, with Chandauka alleging the UK team resisted shifting decision-making to Africa.
Sentebale’s future without Harry
With Harry and Seeiso’s exit, Sentebale faces a critical juncture. The charity plans to maintain its focus on youth health, inequality, and climate resilience. Chandauka emphasized the 500-strong staff, mostly in Lesotho, as the organization’s backbone. However, losing its royal connection may impact visibility and funding.
Harry, who called Sentebale “a severed finger,” vowed to continue supporting African youth through new initiatives. Experts suggest he may launch a new project, but the emotional toll of leaving Sentebale is clear. The Charity Commission stressed focusing on beneficiaries, urging current leaders to implement the regulatory action plan.
- Priorities for Sentebale:
- Rebuild donor trust after public dispute.
- Implement regulatory plan to improve governance.
- Sustain programs aiding over 100,000 youth.
- Diversify fundraising without relying on Harry’s image.
The organization now seeks stability, but the path ahead requires overcoming the scars of the conflict.
