The row at Sentebale charity intensified today as the organisation founded by Prince Harry 19 years ago issued an extraordinary statement effectively distancing itself from him.
The Duke of Sussex dramatically quit as patron last night amid a boardroom battle.
The dispute has seen several trustees leave the organisation following a conflict with chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka, after they had requested her resignation.
Dr Chandauka subsequently appeared to criticise the duke, alleging there had been "poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir".
The Duke of Sussex dramatically quit as patron last night amid a boardroom battle.
PA
The charity has now issued its first social media statement since Harry's departure.
In its statement entitled 'Led by the Mission', Sentebale appeared to downplay the importance of Harry's role.
"It's the incredible teams on the ground—our staff and local partners—who bring our mission to life every day, walking alongside the children and young people we serve," the charity wrote.
The statement continued: "While trustees are key for governance and regulation, and patrons - especially founders - are an honour to have, it's the people in the field who are advancing the work, no matter what."
Sentebale emphasised its commitment to supporting youth in Southern Africa "remains as strong as ever".
"The work continues because they deserve nothing less," the charity added.
The row at Sentebale charity intensified today as the organisation founded by Prince Harry 19 years ago issued an extraordinary statement effectively distancing itself from him.
PA
Prince Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honour of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
The charity was established to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids.
Harry's connection to Lesotho began during his gap year in 2004, when he spent two months in the kingdom at age 19.
During this time, he met Aids orphans and traumatised young people, and visited herd boys living in remote mountain areas.
The charity now also works in Botswana, focusing on better health, stronger livelihoods, and climate resilience for youth.
As recently as October, Harry visited Lesotho and spoke about the "massive difference" Sentebale was making.
The dispute is due to a loss in trust and confidence in the chair.
Prince Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honour of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
PA
Former trustees Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Dr Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West released a statement describing their resignation as "devastating".
They cited a "loss in trust and confidence in the chair of the board" as the reason for their departure.
Dr Chandauka claimed she had reported trustees to the Charity Commission.
She also stated that the High Court had issued an emergency injunction to prevent her removal. However, GB News understands an injunction was no granted.
The chairwoman was pictured with Harry at a charity polo event in Florida in April 2024 to benefit Sentebale, just months before the relationship deteriorated.
In response to the dispute, Dr Chandauka issued a statement defending her actions at Sentebale.
"Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organisation, its mission, and the young people we serve," she said.
She appeared to criticise Harry for going to the press, stating: "There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people, and then play the victim card."
Dr Chandauka added: "Beneath all the victim narrative and fiction that has been syndicated to press is the story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle."
She vowed to say "nothing further on this matter at this time."
Harry's role at Sentebale was one of a small number of private patronages he retained after 2021.
PA
In a joint statement, Harry and Prince Seeiso confirmed their decision to resign as patrons "until further notice".
"With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organisation until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees," they said.
They described the situation as "devastating" and "unthinkable".
The royal founders stated they would be "sharing concerns" with the Charity Commission.
"Although we may no longer be patrons, we will always be its founders, and we will never forget what this charity is capable of achieving when it is in the right care," they added.
The pair expressed shock at having to take such action.
Sentebale responded by stating it had not received formal resignations from either of the royal patrons.
The charity described the "recalibration of the board" as part of its "ambitious transformation agenda".
This contradicts the clear statement from Harry and Prince Seeiso that they had stepped down from their roles.
Harry's role at Sentebale was one of a small number of private patronages he retained after 2021.
That year, the late Queen stripped him of his royal patronages and honorary military positions.
