Prince Harry Responds to Charity Commission Criticism Over Sentebale Row

Published: 08 October 2025. The English Chronicle Online.

Prince Harry has spoken out following a Charity Commission report that criticised his former charity, Sentebale, for a public row that led to mass resignations among its trustees and founding patrons. The Duke of Sussex, who co-founded Sentebale in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, described the watchdog’s findings as falling “troublingly short,” highlighting concerns that the consequences of the internal dispute would affect the very children the charity exists to support.

The Charity Commission investigation, which spanned four months, cleared Prince Harry of any “over-reach” in his role at the charity but criticised the parties involved for allowing a damaging boardroom dispute to play out publicly. While the regulator found no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment, misogyny, or racism, it expressed concern over the perception of ill-treatment experienced by some parties and the impact this may have had on them personally.

A spokesperson for Prince Harry said: “Unsurprisingly, the Commission makes no findings of wrongdoing in relation to Sentebale’s co-founder and former patron, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. They also found no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment, or misogyny and misogynoir at the charity, as falsely claimed by the current Chair. Despite all that, their 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.”

The row at Sentebale came to a head after tensions developed in 2023, when the then trustees sought to implement a new fundraising strategy in the United States. Disputes soon emerged between the chairwoman, Dr Sophie Chandauka, and several trustees, alongside Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso. The conflict escalated into resignations and legal threats, creating a high-profile public dispute that drew widespread media attention.

The Charity Commission’s report noted that internal disputes were poorly managed due to “a lack of clarity around role descriptions and internal policies,” which left key decisions, including considerations for an executive chair role, “confusing, convoluted and poorly governed.” The regulator concluded that trustees had failed to put proper processes and policies in place to investigate internal complaints, contributing to the breakdown in relations and damaging the charity’s reputation.

The commission emphasised that the public airing of disagreements did not serve the charity’s best interests. Statements to the media and interviews with the parties involved contributed to confusion and undermined public trust. The watchdog stressed that a lack of clear policies and governance left Sentebale vulnerable to conflict, despite no evidence of systemic misconduct by Prince Harry, Prince Seeiso, or the chair.

In March 2025, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso resigned as patrons, expressing support for trustees caught up in the dispute. “It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation,” the princes said at the time. Their departure marked a significant turning point for Sentebale, a charity they co-founded in memory of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, to support young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.

Dr Chandauka, in turn, reported the trustees to the Charity Commission and took legal steps to prevent her removal, alleging misconduct. She maintained that she had been instrumental in protecting the charity during the dispute and criticised the resigning trustees’ handling of the situation. In response, the Charity Commission stressed that mismanagement arose from unclear delegations, inadequate policies, and failures in governance rather than intentional wrongdoing.

The regulator issued a formal action plan to Sentebale, recommending that the charity establish clearly defined roles for patrons in writing and improve its complaints and whistleblowing procedures. Trustees, past and present, were collectively held responsible for the missed opportunity to resolve disputes internally before they became public. Financial difficulties following the Covid-19 pandemic were also noted as contributing factors to tensions within the organisation.

David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said: “Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity’s reputation, risk overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardising the charity’s ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve.”

In response, Prince Harry’s team confirmed that he would continue to support the children aided by Sentebale through alternative channels. “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,” the spokesperson said. “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.”

Dr Chandauka commented on the report and the charity’s future, saying: “The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviours displayed in private. We are emerging not just grateful to have survived, but stronger: more focused, better governed, boldly ambitious, and with our dignity intact. 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’. To all who believe in our mission: please walk with us as Sentebale recovers, renews, and rises to meet the hopes and expectations of the next generation.”

The Charity Commission stressed the importance of resolving internal disputes without public escalation, emphasising that poor governance and unclear roles can have lasting repercussions on a charity’s reputation and its ability to serve its beneficiaries. While the regulator stopped short of finding wrongdoing on the part of Prince Harry or the chair, its recommendations underscore the need for robust internal processes, clear governance frameworks, and proactive management of potential conflicts.

The Sentebale case has reignited discussions about transparency and accountability within charities, particularly high-profile organisations founded by public figures. Experts note that while the charity’s mission remains vital, disputes that become public can overshadow positive achievements and undermine donor confidence. Effective governance, clear roles for trustees and patrons, and well-documented procedures are seen as essential safeguards for charities, ensuring that organisational conflicts do not compromise their work or reputation.

Prince Harry’s response to the report highlights his commitment to the children of Lesotho and Botswana, signalling that while his role at Sentebale may have ended, his dedication to the cause remains steadfast. His spokesperson emphasised that the Duke will continue to seek alternative ways to support beneficiaries directly, ensuring that the original vision of the charity continues to have impact.

As the charity begins to implement the Commission’s recommendations and rebuild internal processes, Sentebale faces the dual challenge of restoring its public image and maintaining operational focus. Trustees and staff will need to ensure that governance frameworks are clearly defined, internal disputes are managed discreetly, and the charity’s core mission remains central to its activities. The case serves as a high-profile example of the consequences that can arise when internal disagreements are allowed to escalate publicly, highlighting the delicate balance between transparency, accountability, and operational stability in charitable organisations.

In conclusion, the Sentebale row underscores the importance of strong governance, clear delegation of authority, and careful management of internal disputes in charities. While no wrongdoing was found on Prince Harry’s part, the public dispute illustrates the potential risks faced by high-profile charities and the lasting impact such conflicts can have on both reputation and the people they serve. Prince Harry’s commitment to finding new ways to support vulnerable children in southern Africa signals a continuation of the charity’s mission, even as Sentebale works to recover from one of its most challenging periods.