The Duke of Sussex is facing legal action from Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded, after a defamation claim was lodged at London’s High Court. The charity has named Prince Harry and former trustee Mark Dyer as defendants in the proceedings.
The lawsuit follows a public dispute between Harry and Sentebale’s chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, after he resigned as patron in March 2025. The charity alleges a coordinated adverse media campaign since 25 March 2025 has caused operational disruption and reputational harm, with Harry and Dyer identified as the architects.
Sentebale stated that the campaign involved false narratives circulated through the media, attempts to undermine relationships with partners, and cyberbullying directed at the charity and its leadership. The charity emphasised that no charitable funds are being used for the legal costs, which are covered by external funding.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Mark Dyer categorically rejected the claims, calling them offensive and damaging. They said it was extraordinary that charitable funds were being used to pursue legal action against the very people who built and supported the organisation for nearly two decades.
The Charity Commission previously criticised Harry in August 2025 for allowing the row to play out publicly, while clearing him of racism. The commission found that a serious dispute followed the formulation of a new fundraising strategy in the US, and criticised all involved for failing to resolve disagreements internally.
