What's happened
Recent investigations into Sentebale, co-founded by Prince Harry, reveal governance issues and public disputes. The Charity Commission found no systemic bullying but criticized internal management and public conflicts, leading Harry and Prince Seeiso to resign as patrons. Harry remains committed to supporting HIV/AIDS and mental health initiatives in Africa.
What's behind the headline?
The recent reports underscore the importance of internal governance in charitable organizations, especially those led by high-profile figures like Prince Harry. The Charity Commission's findings highlight that public disputes and unclear delegation of roles can severely undermine a charity’s credibility and effectiveness. Harry’s decision to consider establishing a new charity or supporting existing ones indicates a strategic move to preserve his philanthropic legacy while avoiding further internal conflicts. This situation exemplifies how governance weaknesses can overshadow charitable missions, especially when amplified by media coverage. Moving forward, Sentebale’s ability to recover will depend on implementing clear policies, resolving internal disputes privately, and restoring public trust. The case also raises questions about the influence of media narratives in shaping perceptions of royal-led charities, which can impact donor confidence and beneficiary support.
What the papers say
The Guardian provides a detailed account of the governance issues and internal disputes, emphasizing the role of the Charity Commission's findings and the internal conflicts that led to Harry and Seeiso's resignation. The NY Post highlights the ongoing dispute over allegations of bullying, misogyny, and the charity's internal politics, criticizing the media coverage and the charity's response. Both sources agree that the Charity Commission found no systemic bullying but criticize poor governance and public disputes. However, The Guardian offers a more comprehensive overview of the governance failures and the broader implications for charity management, while The NY Post focuses more on the personal conflicts and media narrative, portraying Harry as deeply upset and asserting that the dispute is a 'hostile takeover.' The contrasting tone underscores the complexity of the situation: one emphasizing institutional failings, the other highlighting personal grievances and media influence.
How we got here
Sentebale was founded in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso to support young people with HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. Disputes over governance and internal management surfaced publicly in 2023, culminating in the resignation of Harry and Seeiso as patrons in March 2025. The Charity Commission's investigation, initiated in April 2025, found no systemic abuse but criticized poor internal governance and public disputes that damaged the charity's reputation.
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Common question
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What’s really going on with Prince Harry and Sentebale? Inside the charity dispute
Recent investigations into Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Prince Harry, have brought to light governance issues and internal conflicts. While Harry and Prince Seeiso have stepped down as patrons, Harry remains committed to supporting HIV/AIDS and mental health initiatives. Curious about what’s behind the headlines? Here are the key questions and answers about the ongoing dispute and what it means for Harry’s charity work.
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Stay updated with the top headlines from around the world today. From major disasters and political developments to sports victories and charity disputes, these stories are shaping the news cycle. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for you? Read on for the key updates and answers to your pressing questions.
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Sentebale is a registered charity, founded in 2006 by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
Prince Harry met Prince Seeiso on his gap year in Lesotho and was moved to help vulnerable children and young people in the country.
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Sophie Tendai Chandauka MBE is a Zimbabwe-born corporate finance lawyer, entrepreneur and Global COO of Shared Services and Banking Operations at Morgan Stanley based in New York.
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The Charity Commission for England and Wales is a non-ministerial department of His Majesty's Government that regulates registered charities in England and Wales and maintains the Central Register of Charities. Its counterparts in Scotland and Northern...