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The Duke of Sussex and other parties have been criticised by the Charity Commission for allowing a "damaging" boardroom battle to play out in public and harm the reputation of Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Prince Harry. The charity regulator investigated the organisation after founders Harry and Prince Seeiso stepped down as patrons in support of trustees who resigned following a dispute with board chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka.
The watchdog criticised all parties for letting the fallout become public and described how trustees contributed to a "missed opportunity" to resolve issues that risked undermining public trust in charities generally. Harry's spokesperson attacked the findings, saying the report "falls troublingly short in many regards, primarily the fact that the consequences of the current chair's actions will not be borne by her - but by the children who rely on Sentebale's support".
Chairwoman defends position
Dr Chandauka said the "unexpected adverse media campaign" launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 had "caused incalculable damage". She added: "We are emerging not just grateful to have survived, but stronger: more focused, better governed, boldly ambitious and with our dignity intact."
The dispute arose in 2023 when trustees sought to introduce a new fundraising strategy, leading to disagreement between Dr Chandauka and some trustees including Harry. A war of words followed the resignations, with Harry and Prince Seeiso issuing a joint statement describing their decision as "unthinkable" and saying trustees "acted in the best interest of the charity in asking the chair to step down".
Bullying allegations investigated
Dr Chandauka hit back in a television interview, accusing the duke of being "involved" in a "cover-up" of an investigation about bullying, harassment and misogyny at the organisation. She said the "toxicity" of his brand had impacted the charity, which had seen a drop in donors since Harry moved to the US.
The regulator found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity, but acknowledged "the strong perception of ill treatment" felt by some involved. David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said passion for a cause could become "a weakness rather than a strength" when things go wrong.
Charity's mission continues
Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids. The duke's spokesperson said Harry would find alternatives to helping the children supported by Sentebale in Lesotho and Botswana.
He said: "As custodians of this once brilliant charity, Prince Seeiso, Prince Harry and the former board of trustees helped grow Sentebale from the seed of an idea to - like its namesake - a flowering force for good. With the original mission of Sentebale firmly in mind - and in honour of the legacy he and Prince Seeiso began - the Duke of Sussex will now focus on finding new ways to continue supporting the children of Lesotho and Botswana."
Regulatory findings revealed
The commission found no evidence of "over-reach" by either the chairwoman or Harry in his role as patron. However, the regulator criticised the charity's lack of clarity in delegating powers to the chair and the absence of proper policies to investigate internal complaints - both issues amounted to "mismanagement".
The commission has issued a regulatory action plan requiring trustees to implement an internal dispute policy, improve complaints and whistle-blowing procedures, and establish clearer processes for delegating authority. Sentebale said its senior executives were now established in southern Africa, closer to operations.
Future vision outlined
Dr Chandauka said: "Despite the recent turbulence, we will always be inspired by the vision of our founders, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, who established Sentebale in memory of their precious mothers, Princess Diana and Queen 'Mamohato." She urged supporters to "walk with us as Sentebale recovers, renews, and rises to meet the hopes and expectations of the next generation".
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
