Prince Harry resigns from Sentebale over charity controversy

In a tumultuous situation affecting charities co-founded by Prince Harry, he stepped down as patron of Sentebale, a Lesotho-based organization focused on aiding youth with HIV. This decision came amid allegations of bullying, harassment, and poor governance stemming from disagreements with the charity's chairperson, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, and other trustees following a bitter internal dispute. Dr. Kelello Lerotholi, a former trustee, expressed surprise regarding the claims of misconduct and indicated that he had never observed such behavior during his tenure. The allegations against Dr. Chandauka include remarks about ineffectual leadership and pressures experienced by her as chair that contributed to a strained atmosphere, discouraging open dialogue among board members, particularly when Harry attended meetings. With the charity experiencing a downturn in sponsorships and donor support, the situation grew tense, prompting Harry to walk away from an organization that he had helped establish in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. The repercussions are severe, not just for Sentebale but also for Harry’s public image, given that he is also associated with another controversial charity, African Parks. Recent accusations have emerged against African Parks, including severe human rights abuses tied to local tribes being forcibly evicted from their lands. Given these developments, calls have been made for Harry to reconsider his involvement with African Parks as criticisms loom over the organization. As a result of these ongoing crises, which reflect larger issues within charity governance and the complexities of leadership roles, there are concerns about the stability of both Sentebale and African Parks. While Harry's commitment to philanthropic efforts remains evident, the controversies have raised questions about governance, accountability, and the impact of public scrutiny on charitable missions.