Prince Harry Slammed in Explosive Charity Row: Sentebale Dispute Damages Reputation!
A public feud involving Prince Harry and the chair of his African charity, Sentebale, has drawn sharp criticism from the Charity Commission, which cleared the prince of racism allegations but condemned the public nature of the dispute.
The row, involving Sentebale’s chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, and the resignations of Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, has raised concerns about the charity’s governance and its ability to serve vulnerable children in southern Africa. Here’s a detailed look at the controversy and its fallout.
A Public Dispute Under Fire
The Charity Commission’s report, released on August 5, 2025, criticized Prince Harry, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, and Sentebale’s former trustees for allowing a heated dispute to “play out publicly.”
The watchdog highlighted that the failure to resolve the conflict internally has “severely impacted the charity’s reputation” and risked undermining public trust in charities. Sentebale, founded by Harry and Prince Seeiso in 2006 to support children in Lesotho and Botswana, faced significant reputational damage due to the public fallout.
The dispute began earlier this year when Harry and Prince Seeiso stepped down as patrons in March, followed by the resignation of the charity’s trustees. The conflict stemmed from disagreements with Chandauka, a lawyer appointed as chair in 2023, over a new US fundraising strategy.
Chandauka later accused those involved of “playing the victim card” and claimed she faced bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir (discrimination against Black women). The commission, however, found no evidence of widespread or systemic misconduct, though it acknowledged the “strong perception of ill treatment” felt by some parties.
Governance Failures Highlighted
The Charity Commission’s investigation, launched in April after concerns were raised in February, pointed to significant governance issues at Sentebale. The report noted a lack of clarity in the roles and responsibilities delegated to the chair, which led to misunderstandings and fueled the dispute. Strategic and financial challenges following the Covid-19 pandemic also contributed to the tensions, creating a strained environment within the charity.
David Holdsworth, the commission’s chief executive, emphasized the broader implications: “Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity’s reputation, risking overshadowing its many achievements.” The commission issued a Regulatory Action Plan to address mismanagement and improve governance, ensuring the charity can refocus on its mission to support vulnerable children.
Responses from Key Figures
Prince Harry’s spokesperson defended the Duke of Sussex, noting that the commission found no evidence of wrongdoing by him or of widespread bullying or harassment as alleged by Chandauka. However, they expressed disappointment with the report, stating it “falls troublingly short” and that the chair’s actions could harm the children Sentebale serves. “Sentebale has been a deeply personal and transformative mission for Prince Harry,” the spokesperson added, highlighting its establishment in memory of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Chandauka, in response, described the public criticism from those who resigned as an “unexpected adverse media campaign” that caused significant damage. She emphasized Sentebale’s resilience, stating, “We are emerging stronger: more focused, better governed, boldly ambitious, and with our dignity intact.” A Sentebale spokesperson welcomed the commission’s action plan, expressing confidence in moving forward “free from interference.”
A Path Forward for Sentebale
The controversy has cast a spotlight on the challenges of managing high-profile charities. A remembrance service for Sentebale’s mission is planned for August 16, 2025, in Ohio, honoring its commitment to children in need. As the charity implements the commission’s recommendations, it aims to rebuild trust and refocus on its vital work, inspired by the vision of its founders.
