Prince Harry and the leadership of his charity, Sentebale, have come under fire from the Charity Commission for allowing a fierce internal dispute to spill into the public eye, risking lasting damage to the charity’s reputation and public confidence.
Following a four-month probe, the regulator said that while there was no evidence of Prince Harry “over-reaching” in his role, it strongly criticised both him and others involved for their part in an avoidable and “damaging” public fallout.
The dispute stemmed from what the commission described as “a lack of clarity around role descriptions and internal policies”. These structural failings, it concluded, triggered a series of tensions within the organisation — culminating in a spectacular breakdown.
The result? Mass resignations, including all the trustees and both founding patrons, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who walked away in March this year.
“It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation,” the princes said at the time.
The internal unrest flared up after trustees sought to revamp the charity’s fundraising model in the United States, starting in 2023.
What followed was a serious disagreement between chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka, the trustees, and Prince Harry himself.
Public Scrutiny Over Private Fights
The Commission said interviews and documentary evidence revealed that powers had been delegated to the chair in a way that was “confusing, convoluted and poorly governed”. Key responsibilities were handed over without clear documentation or boundaries.
Critically, the charity lacked proper procedures for investigating internal complaints. This, the Commission said, amounted to mismanagement.
One of the most damaging elements, the report noted, was the choice by all parties to air grievances in the media and on television, a move that harmed Sentebale’s image and detracted from its mission.
“Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity’s reputation, risk overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardising the charity’s ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve,” said David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission.
No Misconduct Found – But Damage Done
Although there were allegations of misconduct and bullying, the Commission found no evidence of systemic racism, misogyny, or harassment. Still, it acknowledged that some individuals felt personally mistreated and affected by the crisis.
Importantly, neither Prince Harry nor Dr Chandauka were found to have exceeded their roles. But the Commission made it clear that the lack of clear internal protocols and blurred lines of authority were at the heart of the chaos.
A regulatory action plan has now been issued to Sentebale, calling for:
- Clearly defined roles for patrons
- Stronger internal complaints procedures
- Enhanced whistleblowing frameworks
COVID-19’s Lingering Financial Impact
According to the report, financial strains following the COVID-19 pandemic only added to the internal friction. The Commission stopped short of blaming funding issues but said they likely amplified tensions among the leadership.
Princes React With Frustration
Prince Harry’s spokesperson criticised the report, saying: “…falls troublingly short in many regards, primarily the fact that the consequences of the current chair’s actions will not be borne by her, but by the children who rely on Sentebale’s support.”
They confirmed that Harry would explore new ways to support the children in Lesotho and Botswana.
“With the original mission of Sentebale firmly in mind – and in honour of the legacy he and Prince Seeiso began – the Duke of Sussex will now focus on finding new ways to continue supporting the children of Lesotho and Botswana.”
Dr Chandauka, who remained in post despite efforts to oust her, accused those who resigned of launching a “damaging” media campaign.
“The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviours displayed in private.”
She added that Sentebale would rebuild: “Despite the recent turbulence, we will always be inspired by the vision of our founders, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, who established Sentebale in memory of their precious mothers, Princess Diana and Queen ‘Mamohato.
To all who believe in our mission: please walk with us as Sentebale recovers, renews, and rises to meet the hopes and expectations of the next generation.”
While the Commission stopped short of finding deliberate wrongdoing, its findings leave no doubt: mismanagement, poor communication, and a lack of structure brought Sentebale to the brink. Now, the charity must rebuild, away from the headlines.
