Prince Harry has stepped down from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago to support children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana affected by HIV/AIDS. His departure comes amid claims of an irreparable rift with the charity’s leadership — and the response from its Chair of the Board has drawn considerable attention.
In a strongly worded statement following Harry’s exit, Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE did not name the Duke directly but delivered a thinly veiled rebuke aimed at those who, in her words, “play the victim card and use the very press they disdain, to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct.”
The comments come just hours after Harry revealed he had resigned from Sentebale, citing a “breakdown beyond repair” in his relationship with the board. The resignation is a striking reversal from his earlier praise of the charity during a visit to southern Africa last year, when he described its work as “making a massive difference.”
Dr Chandauka responded with a passionate defence of the charity’s mission and values. “I chose to join Sentebale first and foremost as a proud African who understands that, in the spirit of ubuntu: to whom much is given, much is expected,” she said. “Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organisation, its mission, and the young people we serve.”
The statement continued, “Sentebale is not a vanity project. It is a serious organisation that continues to deliver impact — with or without the spotlight.”
The Duke’s resignation has raised questions about his future involvement in international charitable work, particularly in Africa where he has long held a deep personal and philanthropic connection. Sentebale, which he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006, has received global recognition for its advocacy and youth empowerment programs.
Despite the public split, Sentebale has vowed to continue its mission uninterrupted, reinforcing its commitment to serving vulnerable communities on the continent.
Stay tuned to London Pulse News for further updates on this story and other developments in the royal and charity sectors.
