The Charity Commission for England and Wales has criticised both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso’s charity, Sentebale, as well as its leadership, for allowing a bitter dispute to unfold in public and damage the organisation’s reputation.
The regulator concluded there was no evidence of widespread bullying or misogyny at Sentebale, which supports young people living with HIV in Botswana and Lesotho. However, it warned that the public nature of the row risked overshadowing the charity’s achievements and undermining its ability to serve its beneficiaries.
The review was launched in April after Princes Harry and Seeiso stepped down as patrons, following a breakdown in relations between the board of trustees and chair Sophie Chandauka. Chandauka later accused Prince Harry of leading a campaign of bullying and harassment to remove her from the role.
According to the commission, tensions began in 2023 over a proposed fundraising strategy in the United States. The dispute was formally reported in February 2025, and became public the following month when Prince Harry resigned as patron in support of trustees who had also stepped down.
In its findings, the Charity Commission stated that Sentebale’s internal problems had played out in the public eye, causing reputational harm and jeopardising its work in Lesotho and Botswana.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry criticised the decision, claiming the report failed to hold the current chair accountable and warning that the real impact would be felt by the children who rely on the charity’s services. The prince is now exploring alternative ways to support young people in the region.
Chandauka welcomed the regulator’s conclusions, saying they validated her concerns over governance. She accused those who resigned in March of orchestrating an adverse media campaign that caused “incalculable damage” and reflected unacceptable private behaviour.
Sentebale was co-founded in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso in memory of their late mothers, with the mission of helping vulnerable children and young people affected by poverty and HIV.
