Prince Harry has stepped down as patron of the Lesotho-based charity Sentebale, which he co-founded, in a show of solidarity with trustees amidst a leadership crisis. The charity has faced conflict between its board and chair, leading to significant resignations.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso Resign as Patrons of Sentebale Amid Charity Disputes
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso Resign as Patrons of Sentebale Amid Charity Disputes
The resignation comes as tensions rise within the charity's leadership, prompting five trustees to step down in protest.
Prince Harry has announced his resignation as the patron of Sentebale, a charity he co-founded in southern Africa, effective immediately. This decision, made public on Wednesday, is a response to ongoing disputes between the charity's board of trustees and its chairperson, Sophie Chandauka. Alongside his fellow patron, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Harry expressed sorrow over the necessity of their exit yet emphasized their commitment to the charity's beneficiaries.
Sentebale, established by Harry and Seeiso in 2006 to support communities impacted by the H.I.V. crisis in Lesotho—a country grappling with severe poverty—has recently witnessed turmoil within its leadership ranks. Five of the nine board members resigned in protest this week, citing an irrevocable breakdown in trust with the board chair. They believed that their resignation was essential to prevent further financial and legal complications for the organization.
In a joint statement, Harry and Seeiso remarked on their surprise and sadness at the discord, reinforcing their ongoing dedication to the mission of Sentebale. They stated their intent to raise concerns regarding the situation with the Charity Commission, highlighting their unwavering commitment to the charity and its objectives.
As the charity expanded its focus beyond Lesotho to include Botswana and tackle issues like substance abuse and gender-based violence, the internal conflicts have drawn attention to the organizational health of Sentebale. The resigning trustees accused Chandauka of hindering their efforts to remove her from her role and described her refusal to step down as a catalyst for their own departures. They affirmed that their actions were taken not out of choice but necessity, aiming to safeguard the charity’s future.
