Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex and younger son of King Charles, has become embroiled in a controversy surrounding Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006 to support children and young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.
His abrupt resignation from the organization, along with co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and the board of trustees, has sparked intense debate, particularly after Sophie Chandauka, the chair of Sentebale, accused him of "harassment and bullying at scale." Harry described his departure as "devastating," hinting at significant internal conflict.
Sentebale was established in honour of Princess Diana’s legacy of humanitarian work, particularly her advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness. Over the years, the charity has provided vital healthcare, education, and psychosocial support to vulnerable children in southern Africa. However, Harry’s recent departure has raised questions about governance disputes within the organization. Despite his resignation, the British royal family's official website still lists his work with Sentebale, and the page has yet to be updated to reflect his decision to step down.
Sophie Chandauka expressed her frustration in an interview with Sky News, criticizing the manner in which Prince Harry announced his resignation. She alleged that he authorized the release of the news without prior communication with her, the organization’s country directors, or the executive director. Chandauka described the fallout as deeply damaging, not only to her personally but also to the 540 individuals working for Sentebale and their families. She characterized the sudden announcement as an attack that constituted "harassment and bullying at scale," underscoring the serious tensions behind Harry’s departure.
This controversy has fueled speculation about the deeper issues at play within Sentebale and the potential impact on its future operations. With Prince Harry having been a prominent figure in the charity for nearly two decades, his exit marks a significant shift, raising concerns about leadership stability and the organization's ability to continue its mission without his influence. The situation remains unresolved, leaving many to wonder how both Sentebale and Harry will move forward in the wake of this highly publicized rift.
