In a significant move, Prince Harry resigned from Sentebale after a dispute erupted over leadership issues within the organization, which jeopardized its operations. His decision echoes solidarity with former trustees who also departed amid allegations and legal challenges against the charity’s current chair.
Prince Harry Resigns from Sentebale Amid Leadership Dispute
Prince Harry Resigns from Sentebale Amid Leadership Dispute
Prince Harry has stepped down as patron of the charity Sentebale, co-founded in memory of his mother, following a conflict between the charity's chair and its trustees.
In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry has announced his resignation as the patron of Sentebale, a charity he co-founded in 2006 to honor his late mother, Princess Diana. The resignation follows a protracted conflict within the organization's leadership that has involved allegations and legal disputes.
On March 25, Harry, alongside his co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, revealed their decision to step down in support of five trustees who recently resigned. These five former board members—Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West—cited a loss of "trust and confidence" in the charity's chair, Sophie Chandauka, who was appointed in 2023.
The departing trustees collectively criticized Ms. Chandauka for her response to their stated concerns, which included a lawsuit she filed to prevent them from voting her out. Their statement emphasized that their resignations were not made lightly but were necessary to protect the charity from the financial implications of ongoing legal actions.
Chandauka and the former trustees have engaged in a contentious back-and-forth, each claiming the other has committed wrongdoing. Allegations have been formally reported to Britain's Charity Commission, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing issues within Sentebale.
Prince Harry’s resignation underscores the depth of the leadership crisis and raises questions about the future direction of the charity, which has a mission focused on supporting vulnerable children in Southern Africa. The developments illustrate a troubling period for an organization meant to fulfill its charitable objectives, now mired in internal strife and public scrutiny.
On March 25, Harry, alongside his co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, revealed their decision to step down in support of five trustees who recently resigned. These five former board members—Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West—cited a loss of "trust and confidence" in the charity's chair, Sophie Chandauka, who was appointed in 2023.
The departing trustees collectively criticized Ms. Chandauka for her response to their stated concerns, which included a lawsuit she filed to prevent them from voting her out. Their statement emphasized that their resignations were not made lightly but were necessary to protect the charity from the financial implications of ongoing legal actions.
Chandauka and the former trustees have engaged in a contentious back-and-forth, each claiming the other has committed wrongdoing. Allegations have been formally reported to Britain's Charity Commission, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing issues within Sentebale.
Prince Harry’s resignation underscores the depth of the leadership crisis and raises questions about the future direction of the charity, which has a mission focused on supporting vulnerable children in Southern Africa. The developments illustrate a troubling period for an organization meant to fulfill its charitable objectives, now mired in internal strife and public scrutiny.
