Prince Harry Steps Away from Sentebale Amid Ongoing Controversy

Prince Harry has decided not to return to the charity he established in Africa in memory of his late mother, Diana. Sources indicate that the Duke of Sussex will not re-engage with Sentebale, which he founded in 2006 in Lesotho, due to ongoing controversies and financial challenges.

Since Prince Harry’s departure in March 2024, Sentebale has faced significant financial difficulties. The charity, which supports young people affected by HIV and AIDS, has seen a decline in donations following allegations of racism, bullying, and misogyny made by former trustee Sophie Chandauka. A charity source stated, “The idea that Harry was ever going to return has been completely extinguished. There’s absolutely no way now. It’s all too tarnished.”

In 2024, Ms. Chandauka, a Zimbabwean lawyer, resigned as chair amid disputes over fundraising strategies in the United States. Although an independent review later concluded that there was no evidence supporting claims of bullying and harassment, the fallout has significantly impacted the charity’s operations.

Sentebale has warned that without new fundraising avenues, it may have to reduce its programs. Despite these concerns, the organization asserted that its audited accounts affirm it is “financially stable.” The charity released a statement saying, “Sentebale’s audited accounts, prepared by leading independent auditors and filed with the Charity Commission on September 30, 2025, confirm that the charity is financially stable and able to continue operating as planned, with robust strategic plans for 2025 and 2026 that remain unchanged.”

The charity also noted that a global restructuring process, particularly regarding its Botswana program, has been underway since 2023 and has received board approval in phases since early 2024. Sentebale emphasized that it does not comment on individual employment matters.

As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how Sentebale will navigate these challenges and what impact Prince Harry’s absence will have on the future of the organization he helped establish.