Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale is on the brink of collapse as accusations of harassment, bullying, and manipulation fly between the board chairwoman and departing trustees, including the prince himself.
At a Glance
- Prince Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso resigned as patrons of Sentebale on March 26, triggering a leadership crisis
- Chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka has accused the board of harassment, bullying, and racial discrimination
- Chandauka claims Harry used the charity to improve his wife Meghan’s public image
- Multiple board members have resigned, leaving the charity with just enough trustees to function legally
- The UK Charity Commission has launched an investigation into the serious allegations
Royal Founders Exit Amid Serious Allegations
Sentebale, the African youth charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006, is facing an unprecedented crisis that threatens its very existence. The organization, established to honor Princess Diana’s legacy by helping children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, has been rocked by a wave of resignations and bitter accusations.
The turmoil began on March 26 when both founding patrons stepped down, ostensibly in solidarity with trustees who reportedly could not work under the leadership of chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka.
The situation deteriorated further when Chandauka launched explosive allegations against the board and the royal co-founders. She has accused them of harassment, bullying, and racial discrimination, claiming they intended “to force a failure and then come to the rescue.”
Additionally, in perhaps her most controversial assertion, Chandauka alleged that Prince Harry attempted to manipulate the charity to boost his wife Meghan Markle’s public image. These claims have prompted an official investigation by the UK Charity Commission, adding regulatory scrutiny to the organization’s already significant troubles.
Prince Harry’s Sentebale Charity Faces Major Upheaval as Founders and Board Resign
Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006, is in crisis following a dramatic governance dispute that has led to the resignation of its entire board of… pic.twitter.com/OlK6aAZMQh
— OloriSuperGal (@OloriSupergal) March 26, 2025
Trustee Exodus Threatens Organizational Stability
The leadership crisis has triggered a mass exodus from Sentebale’s board of trustees. Following the departure of the royal patrons, newly appointed trustee Dr. Margaret Ikpoh resigned just three weeks into her role. Most recently, South African entrepreneur Nerissa Naidu also stepped down, further destabilizing the organization. This latest resignation leaves Sentebale with only three remaining trustees—the minimum number required for the charity to legally function, placing the organization in an extremely precarious position.
In an official statement, Sentebale acknowledged that Naidu had “chosen to step down out of respect for her other professional commitments” while expressing appreciation for “her tremendous support and insights in recent weeks and her interest in Sentebale over a long period of time.”
However, the timing of her departure—amid the ongoing leadership crisis—has raised questions about the underlying causes. The charity has been forced to admit it is experiencing “a particularly difficult time,” a significant understatement given the severity of the situation.
Financial Concerns and Conflicting Narratives
Behind the accusations of misconduct lie serious concerns about Sentebale’s financial management under Chandauka’s leadership. Sources close to the trustees claim the board lost confidence in her ability to effectively manage the charity’s finances, which reportedly prompted their initial request for her resignation.
When Chandauka refused to step down, the situation escalated dramatically, with Harry and the trustees making the decision to leave instead. Chandauka subsequently filed a lawsuit against the charity, further complicating matters.
Competing narratives about the charity’s decline have emerged. Chandauka attributes Sentebale’s struggles to public backlash stemming from Harry and Meghan’s royal exit. Meanwhile, a Lesotho government official suggested that Harry’s engagement with the charity diminished after marrying Meghan, affecting its “spirit.” Before the current crisis, Sentebale had been heavily reliant on Prince Harry’s involvement, particularly through fundraising events like the Sentebale Polo Cup.
As the internal review initiated last year prepares to present its findings, the charity’s future hangs in the balance, potentially jeopardizing its vital work with vulnerable African youth.
