Headlines

Prince Harry Quits African Charity Amid Organizational Leadership Crisis

Published MAR 27 2025

Story

Above: Alix Lebec (L), Prince Harry (C), and Dr. Sophie Chandauka (R) speak at Sentebale's "Potential is Waiting" panel, at Zaytinya, Ritz Carlton, Miami Beach, on April 11, 2024. Image credit: Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images for Sentebale

The Facts

Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho have resigned as patrons of Sentebale, a charity they co-founded in 2006 to help children affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa, following an internal dispute between trustees and the chair of the board, Sophie Chandauka.
guardian
FOX News
The resignation came after five trustees unanimously stepped down from their positions, citing a complete breakdown in their relationship with Chandauka, who refused to resign when asked and subsequently filed a lawsuit to maintain her position as chair.
CBS News
GB News
The dispute reportedly emerged after Sentebale's announcement in April 2024 that it would shift its focus from solely HIV/AIDS support to "addressing issues of youth health, wealth and climate resilience in Southern Africa."
CBS News
Spectator (UK)
Sentebale
In a joint statement seen by The Times, the two princes lamented that they were "truly heartbroken" by the "unthinkable" situation, but claimed their position was "untenable" in light of Chandauka's actions.
The Times (UK)
Chandauka, a Zimbabwe-born lawyer appointed as chair in 2023, has accused the princes of "play[ing] the victim card" and alleged "poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny and misogynoir" at the charity.
Africanews
LBC
The Times of India
Sentebale's executive director, Carmel Gaillard, said the organization was "saddened" at the loss of the princes, but would remain "committed to upholding the highest standards and look forward to working with our incoming Trustees and our Chair."
Sentebale

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

The royal patrons acted in the charity’s best interests in stepping down in solidarity with the trustees, as the chair’s refusal to resign and subsequent lawsuit have created an untenable situation that threatens the organization's ability to serve its beneficiaries effectively. Responsibility for this breakdown rests squarely on the chairperson, Sophie Chandauka, whose actions have potentially jeopardized two decades of vital work in southern Africa.

The Times (UK)

The Sun

Narrative B

The chair's resistance to removal represents a principled stand against alleged misconduct within the organization, including claims of weak executive management, bullying, and discrimination. Chandauka is fighting to maintain Sentebale's integrity and ensure its mission remains focused on serving young people in Africa rather than operating as a vanity project.