Prince Harry is considering launching a new charity following a bitter dispute that led to his departure from Sentebale, the African youth charity he co-founded in 2006.
The Duke of Sussex stepped down as patron in March in solidarity with trustees who resigned in protest against the leadership of the charity’s chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka. Chandauka had previously accused Harry of bullying and harassment — allegations the Charity Commission later said it could not substantiate.
The charity operates in Botswana and Lesotho, focusing on the health and wellbeing of young people, particularly those living with HIV and AIDS. Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who co-founded Sentebale with Harry in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, also resigned as patron.
A spokesperson for the Duke confirmed on Sunday that Harry remains “absolutely committed” to supporting the children and young people of Lesotho and Botswana, a mission he began nearly 20 years ago. “All options remain on the table,” the spokesperson added. “That could mean founding a new charity or partnering with existing organisations already working in the region.”
Emotional Toll of the Dispute
Sources close to Harry described the conflict as “emotionally absolutely devastating” and likened it to “nothing short of a hostile takeover.”
The Charity Commission, which does not adjudicate internal disputes or investigate individual allegations of bullying, found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment at Sentebale. However, it acknowledged there was a “strong perception of ill treatment” among some involved.
Resigning trustees said they were “gravely concerned for the future of the charity,” accusing the regulator of ignoring key concerns and “irrefutable evidence” about the chair’s leadership and oversight.
In response, Sentebale stated that the Commission’s role is not to mediate internal disagreements, nor to investigate individual allegations — including those made against Prince Harry.
