Prince Harry resigns from charity he founded in 2006
What's the story
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has stepped down as a patron of Sentebale, an African charity he co-founded in 2006.
The decision came amid internal disputes in the organization, notably a disagreement over how to raise funds.
The charity, co-founded by Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, seeks to support young people and children in southern Africa, especially those living with HIV/AIDS.
Boardroom battle
Internal disputes led to boardroom battle
The internal disputes at Sentebale turned into a boardroom battle that saw several trustees resign.
They had requested the chairwoman of the board, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, to step down.
The disagreement reportedly arose over the decision to concentrate fundraising efforts in Africa.
In solidarity with these exiting trustees, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso had announced their resignation as patrons until further notice.
Joint statement
Princes expressed solidarity with departing trustees
According to the BBC, in a joint statement, the princes voiced their support for the departing trustees.
"With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as Patrons of the organization until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same," they said.
They also said the situation was "devastating," adding that the relationship between the charity's trustees and the chair of the board had "broken down beyond repair."
Chairwoman's response
Chandauka responded to the princes' resignation
Responding to the princes' resignation, Chandauka appeared to slam them for reaching out to the press and "playing the victim card."
She said, "Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organization, its mission, and the young people we serve."
Chandauka also alleged that she had informed the trustees of the Charity Commission and that the High Court had issued an emergency injunction to stop her removal.
Trustees' statement
Former trustees expressed 'loss of trust' in chair
Meanwhile, former trustees Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Dr. Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West released a statement claiming their decision to resign was "devastating" but due to a "loss of trust and confidence" in the chair.
They stated, "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."
Restructuring confirmation
Sentebale's spokesperson confirmed board restructuring
A spokesperson for Sentebale confirmed that the charity is restructuring its board to bring in experts with capabilities and networks to accelerate its transformation agenda.
The spokesperson said, "We are pleased to confirm the restructuring of our Board on 25 March 2025 to introduce experts with capabilities and networks to accelerate Sentebale's transformation agenda as announced last year."
Sentebale is under investigation by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.