Prince Harry resigns from charity Sentebale amid board conflict
- Prince Harry has stepped down as patron of Sentebale due to a breakdown between the trustees and the chair.
- The departure is in solidarity with the trustees who resigned following disputes over charity governance.
- The situation raises concerns about the charity's future operations and governance integrity.
In a significant development related to governance issues within the charity sector, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has announced his resignation as a patron of Sentebale, a charity he co-founded in 2006 in memory of his late mother, Diana. This decision comes amidst a reported conflict between the charity's board of trustees and its chairperson, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. The fallout has led to multiple resignations among trustees following a breakdown in the relationship with Dr. Chandauka, citing governance concerns that escalated to the Charity Commission's attention. The charity, based in Lesotho—a country significantly impacted by HIV/AIDS—was initiated to support vulnerable children and young people in southern Africa. Recent conflicts arose from disagreements about strategic fundraising efforts and the direction of the organization. While Prince Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho expressed their deep disappointment regarding the ignited tensions, their joint statement emphasized their commitment to the charity’s mission, even as they distanced themselves from current leadership dynamics. As the board seeks to address the crisis, both princes have highlighted their ongoing moral responsibility to the charity's beneficiaries. They also conveyed their intent to relay their concerns to regulatory bodies overseeing charities in the UK. The ramifications of this resignation extend beyond personal sentiments, posing potential impacts on the charity's future operations and public perception. In the backdrop of the leadership turmoil, Dr. Chandauka has been vocal, reportedly accusing the departing trustees of misconduct and arguing that her own reporting of poor governance practices may reflect an organizational culture resistant to accountability. The interplay of these assertions showcases a complex narrative of charity governance marked by allegations of power struggles and ethical obligations amidst ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving needs of the communities supported by Sentebale.