Prince Harry Backs Charity Commission Inquiry as Sentebale Row Deepens
Prince Harry has spoken out in support of a Charity Commission investigation into the internal conflict engulfing Sentebale—the charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago—calling for the probe to “unveil the truth” behind the bitter boardroom fallout that led to his resignation.
The Duke of Sussex, along with co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and several trustees, stepped down last week amid escalating tensions with Sentebale’s chair, Sophie Chandauka, who has since filed a whistleblower complaint alleging bullying, harassment, and abuse of power within the organisation.
“What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness,” Harry said in a statement, accusing the boardroom rift of spreading “blatant lies” and damaging the charity’s mission to support children in southern Africa affected by HIV and AIDS.
Watchdog Steps In
The UK Charity Commission confirmed it had opened a “regulatory compliance case” to investigate concerns raised about governance and management practices at Sentebale. The review will determine whether current and former trustees have met their legal duties.
Ms Chandauka welcomed the inquiry, asserting the charity now has a new board “acting appropriately” and committed to restoring public trust.
Tensions Boil Over
Insiders suggest the dispute was long brewing. Some accuse Ms Chandauka of mismanaging leadership dynamics, while she contends that Prince Harry’s controversial public image—particularly in the U.S.—has deterred donors and created reputational risks for the charity.
A specific flashpoint came during a fundraising polo event, where Ms Chandauka claimed she was asked by Prince Harry to publicly defend the Duchess of Sussex following an awkward prize-giving video. She refused. Sources close to Harry and Meghan deny any conflict, insisting the moment was misrepresented.
Financial Questions Emerge
Financial concerns have further intensified scrutiny. Former trustees allege that Sentebale spent £500,000 on a U.S. fundraising strategy that underperformed. However, the charity strongly denies this claim, stating that the consultancy fee was fully funded and had secured 65 key donor relationships through the firm Lebec.
The charity also noted that a one-off £1.2 million donation from Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, provided a critical financial boost but is not a sustainable source of funding.
A Fight Over Legacy
The collapse of relations within the charity touches on deeper issues around legacy, trust, and public image. For Prince Harry—who co-founded Sentebale in 2006 in memory of his mother, Princess Diana—the turmoil is especially painful.
In his statement, he emphasized the shared vision he and Prince Seeiso had when launching the charity: “to support children and young people in southern Africa in memory of our mothers.”
Looking Forward
With a full investigation now underway, the focus shifts to restoring stability and transparency at Sentebale. Both sides claim to be acting in the charity’s best interest—but only the findings of the Charity Commission will reveal the truth behind the acrimonious split.
For now, supporters and donors are left watching closely, hoping the controversy does not overshadow Sentebale’s crucial work on the ground.
