Charity in Crisis: Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso Resign from Sentebale

In a stunning turn of events, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has announced his resignation from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded nearly 20 years ago. This decision, made jointly with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho on Tuesday, comes amidst a bitter dispute involving the organization’s chair, dr. Sophie Chandauka, and a mass resignation of trustees. The future of the charity, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana, now hangs in the balance. The organization was founded in 2006.

The sudden departure of Prince Harry, a figure deeply associated with the charity’s mission, raises serious questions about the governance and future direction of sentebale. For U.S. readers, this situation echoes similar controversies that have plagued American non-profits, highlighting the critical importance of openness and accountability in charitable organizations.Think of the United Way scandal in the 1990s, or more recently, concerns raised about the management of some high-profile disaster relief funds. These situations underscore the need for robust oversight and ethical leadership to maintain public trust and ensure that donations are used effectively.

The root of the Conflict: A Battle for Control

The core of the dispute appears to revolve around a disagreement regarding fundraising strategy and, more broadly, the overall management of sentebale. According to reports, tensions escalated following a decision to prioritize fundraising efforts within Africa. This shift in focus seemingly triggered a power struggle between the trustees and Dr. Chandauka, a lawyer appointed as chair in 2023.

Harry and Seeiso issued a joint statement expressing their dismay: “These trustees acted in the best interest of the charity in asking the chair to step down,while keeping the wellbeing of staff in mind. In turn, she sued the charity to remain in this voluntary position, further underscoring the broken relationship.”

They added, “We thank all the trustees for their service over the years and are truly heartbroken they’ve had to follow through with this act.”

The princes emphasized their commitment to the beneficiaries of Sentebale, stating, “What’s transpired is unthinkable. We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries, so we will be sharing all of our concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about.”

This level of internal conflict is exceptionally rare in high-profile charities, notably those associated with members of the Royal Family. The fact that the dispute has become so public underscores the severity of the situation and raises concerns about the long-term impact on Sentebale’s reputation and ability to attract future funding.

Mass Exodus: Trustees Resign in Protest

Adding fuel to the fire, five former trustees – Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West – collectively resigned from the board, citing a “loss in trust and confidence in the chair of the board.”

In their statement, the former trustees said, “Today’s decision is nothing short of devastating for all of us, but we see no other path forward as the result of our loss in trust and confidence in the chair of the board.”

This mass resignation further destabilized the organization, leaving Sentebale without key leadership and expertise. A spokesperson for the charity initially stated that they had not received resignations from either royal patron and announced a “restructuring of our board on 25 March 2025 to introduce experts with the capabilities and networks to accelerate Sentebale’s conversion agenda as announced last year.”

The Chair’s Defense: Allegations of Misconduct

In response to the allegations against her, Dr. Chandauka issued a strongly worded statement defending her actions and accusing the dissenting trustees of misconduct. She stated, “Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organisation, its mission, and the young people we serve. My actions are guided by the principles of fairness and equitable treatment for all, nonetheless of social status or financial means.”

Chandauka further alleged, “There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people, and than play the victim card and use the very press they disdain to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct.”

She also questioned the motives of her critics, asking, “Discerning readers will ask themselves: why would the chair of the board report her own trustees to the Charity Commission? why would the high court of England and Wales hear her case and issue an emergency injunction to prevent the same trustees from removing her as the chair of the board?”

Dr. Chandauka concluded with serious accusations: “well, as beneath all the victim narrative and fiction that has been syndicated to press is the story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir – and the cover-up that ensued.”

The Future of sentebale: Uncertainty and Challenges

The immediate future of Sentebale remains uncertain. The departure of Prince Harry, coupled with the mass resignation of trustees and the serious allegations leveled by the chair, presents a significant challenge to the organization’s stability and credibility. The Charity Commission’s investigation will likely be crucial in determining the way forward.

For American donors considering supporting international charities, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence. Resources like Charity Navigator and guidestar offer valuable details about the financial health, accountability, and transparency of non-profit organizations.Before making a donation, it’s wise to research the charity’s leadership, governance structure, and track record to ensure that your contribution is used effectively and ethically.

The unfolding events at Sentebale also highlight the potential risks associated with celebrity-backed charities.While the involvement of high-profile figures can raise awareness and attract donations, it can also create vulnerabilities if the organization’s governance structures are not robust enough to withstand internal conflicts or allegations of misconduct. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for both donors and celebrities involved in charitable work.

Governance Matters: lessons for U.S. Non-Profits

The turmoil at Sentebale offers some key lessons for non-profit organizations here in the United States. Strong governance structures, clear lines of authority, and robust conflict resolution mechanisms are essential for maintaining stability and preventing internal disputes from escalating into public crises. Whistleblower protection policies are also crucial for creating a culture of transparency and accountability, encouraging individuals to report potential wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.

The allegations of bullying, harassment, and misogyny leveled by Dr. Chandauka underscore the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture within non-profit organizations. Just as in the corporate world,non-profits must prioritize diversity,equity,and inclusion to attract and retain talented staff and create an surroundings where everyone feels valued and respected. Failure to do so can damage an organization’s reputation, undermine its mission, and ultimately harm the communities it serves.