The Duke of Sussex says his resignation is heartbreaking but unavoidable as tensions rise within the charity
Prince Harry has announced his resignation as patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006 to support vulnerable children in southern Africa, citing an irreparable breakdown between the board of trustees and its chairwoman, Dr Sophie Chandauka.
In a joint statement with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, his co-founder, Prince Harry expressed deep sorrow over the decision, saying: “With heavy hearts, we have stepped down in solidarity with the board of trustees, who have also been left with no option but to resign.”
The dispute at the heart of the charity remains unclear, but reports suggest a disagreement over fundraising priorities, with a shift towards focusing efforts in Africa. The conflict has escalated to the point where the UK’s Charity Commission is now assessing governance concerns.
Dr Chandauka, in a separate statement, defended her position, stating she would not be intimidated into stepping down. She accused the former trustees of poor governance and abuse of power, claiming that legal action had been taken to prevent her removal from the organisation.
Prince Harry, who visited Lesotho as recently as October last year, reflected on his long-standing commitment to Sentebale and the impact the charity has had on communities affected by HIV and Aids. Despite his resignation, he reaffirmed his dedication to the cause and promised to raise concerns about the situation with the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, five former trustees released a statement describing their resignation as distressing but necessary. They claimed they were compelled to step down to protect Sentebale from the legal and financial risks associated with an ongoing dispute with its chairwoman.
The Charity Commission has confirmed it is reviewing the situation, stating that appropriate regulatory steps will be considered.