Prince Harry resigns from Sentebale charity he co-founded in extraordinary row with the chairman of its Board.
His co-founder Prince Seeiso and the Board of Trustees also quit.https://t.co/gBivDWgXfx— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 26, 2025
Prince Harry has resigned as patron of Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. The decision comes after a breakdown in the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chairperson, creating an untenable situation. Harry established Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support young people in Lesotho and Botswana, focusing on health, education, and addressing social inequalities.
Both Harry and Prince Seeiso have resigned as patrons following the dispute.
NEW: The Duke of Sussex says he is “in shock” and “truly heartbroken” as he resigns his patronage of a charity he set up 20 years ago, which was first reported in The Times this evening.https://t.co/jdyVoNyDQo
— Cameron Walker (@CameronDLWalker) March 25, 2025
In a joint statement, they explained that their decision followed an irreparable breakdown in relations between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board, Sophie Chandauka. The trustees asked Chandauka to step down, but she resisted, resulting in legal action.
Prince Harry exits Sentebale role
Chandauka was appointed to her role in July 2023. She is also the co-founder of Nandi Life Sciences, a biotech company based in Texas.
Chairwoman’s salvo: “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.” https://t.co/UhudvkgOaD
— Camilla Tominey (@CamillaTominey) March 26, 2025
The specific reasons behind the trustees’ request for her resignation were not disclosed. Harry and Seeiso expressed their disappointment, stating, “What’s transpired is unthinkable.” They emphasized their ongoing commitment to the charity’s mission, despite their departure as patrons, and their intent to address their concerns with Britain’s Charity Commission. The Charity Commission has acknowledged the concerns and is currently assessing the situation to determine the appropriate steps.
Sentebale was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting. In their parting words, Harry and Seeiso affirmed, “While we will 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.”
