Prince Harry has stepped down as patron of Sentebale, a charity he co-founded, in response to internal governance disputes within the organization, emphasizing a commitment to its mission and beneficiaries. The move underscores the gravity of the current leadership crisis and reflects broader implications for nonprofit governance and charity effectiveness.
Prince Harry Resigns as Patron of Sentebale Amid Charity Governance Crisis
Prince Harry Resigns as Patron of Sentebale Amid Charity Governance Crisis
Prince Harry's resignation signals a profound governance issue at the charity he co-founded, Sentebale, aimed at supporting vulnerable communities in southern Africa.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, along with fellow patron Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, has announced their resignation from Sentebale, following a significant governance issue within the charity. This decision comes as a result of escalating tensions between the charity’s board of trustees and its chair, leading to the resignation of five out of nine trustees this week.
In a joint statement, the two princes expressed their dismay, stating, "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." They indicated their intent to address the situation with the Charity Commission, highlighting their ongoing responsibility towards the charity's beneficiaries.
Established in 2006 to honor the legacy of Princess Diana, Sentebale previously focused on aiding communities afflicted by the H.I.V. pandemic in Lesotho—a nation grappling with severe poverty. In recent years, the charity has broadened its initiatives to also combat substance abuse and gender-based violence among the youth in Lesotho and Botswana.
The crises at Sentebale ensued after trustees lost confidence in chair Sophie Chandauka, who subsequently initiated legal action against them to retain her position. The resigning trustees emphasized that they had no choice but to vacate their posts to spare the charity from incurring substantial legal fees. They noted, "We could not in good conscience allow Sentebale to undertake that legal and financial burden and have been left with no other option."
As Sentebale navigates this challenging period, the resignation of its founding patrons raises questions regarding governance structures in charitable organizations and the mechanisms that can prevent such crises in the future.
In a joint statement, the two princes expressed their dismay, stating, "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." They indicated their intent to address the situation with the Charity Commission, highlighting their ongoing responsibility towards the charity's beneficiaries.
Established in 2006 to honor the legacy of Princess Diana, Sentebale previously focused on aiding communities afflicted by the H.I.V. pandemic in Lesotho—a nation grappling with severe poverty. In recent years, the charity has broadened its initiatives to also combat substance abuse and gender-based violence among the youth in Lesotho and Botswana.
The crises at Sentebale ensued after trustees lost confidence in chair Sophie Chandauka, who subsequently initiated legal action against them to retain her position. The resigning trustees emphasized that they had no choice but to vacate their posts to spare the charity from incurring substantial legal fees. They noted, "We could not in good conscience allow Sentebale to undertake that legal and financial burden and have been left with no other option."
As Sentebale navigates this challenging period, the resignation of its founding patrons raises questions regarding governance structures in charitable organizations and the mechanisms that can prevent such crises in the future.
