Prince Harry is considering establishing a new charity after a dispute that led to his departure from Sentebale, a spokesperson has confirmed. The Duke of Sussex remains 'absolutely committed' to supporting children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana, nearly 20 years after co-founding the original organisation.
The move follows a public row with Sentebale’s chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, who accused Harry of bullying and harassment. Harry stepped down as patron in March alongside trustees who resigned in opposition to the board’s leadership. Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who co-founded Sentebale with Harry in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, also withdrew his patronage.
The Charity Commission criticised Harry for allowing the dispute to ‘play out publicly’, but found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir, at the charity. The regulator acknowledged a ‘strong perception of ill treatment’ felt by some individuals involved.
Trustees who resigned expressed ‘grave concerns’ for the charity’s future, claiming the Commission ignored ‘key concerns and irrefutable evidence’ regarding the chair’s oversight. Sentebale responded by noting that the Commission does not adjudicate internal disputes and had not investigated individual allegations.
A source close to the prince described the row as ‘emotionally absolutely devastating’ and likened Chandauka’s actions to a ‘hostile takeover’. Harry is now exploring options, which include supporting existing charities in the region or launching a completely new initiative.
