Prince Harry has officially stepped down as patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded nearly 20 years ago to support children and young people living with HIV in southern Africa.
In a joint statement with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Harry said he made the decision with a heavy heart after a leadership breakdown that left the organization in turmoil.

The two princes cited a “devastating” conflict between the charity’s board of trustees and its chairperson, Sophie Chandauka, who was appointed in 2023.
They said the relationship had “broken down beyond repair,” making it impossible for them to continue their roles.

A Painful Departure from a Personal Cause

Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana, and has often spoken about the deep emotional connection he feels to the mission.
After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Sentebale remained one of the few causes he continued to support.

“What’s transpired is unthinkable,” Harry and Seeiso said.
“We are in shock that we have to do this, but we remain committed to the young people who rely on Sentebale.”

Governance Dispute Erupts Into Legal Battle

According to the statement, trustees resigned from the UK-registered board after a failed attempt to remove Chandauka.
The Zimbabwe-born lawyer, however, claimed she faced backlash after raising serious concerns about poor governance, harassment, misogyny, and racism within the organization.

“This is the story of a woman who dared to speak up,” Chandauka said.
She confirmed she had reported the matter to the UK Charity Commission and filed a case in High Court.

Chandauka denied stepping down, stating, “This is not a vanity project I can walk away from when challenged.”

Charity Says Resignations Not Yet Received

Sentebale responded with a statement saying it had not yet received formal resignations from the princes.
However, it acknowledged a “recalibration of the board” and ongoing changes in leadership.

In 2023, the charity began transitioning to a locally led model, moving its senior leadership from London to Johannesburg.
This shift was part of a broader strategy to align closer with its operations in Lesotho and Botswana.

Regulators Step In

The UK Charity Commission confirmed it is assessing concerns about the charity’s governance.
“We are reviewing the situation to determine if further action is necessary,” the agency said.

One of Harry’s Last Remaining Patronages

The move marks the end of one of Harry’s most personal projects.
After stepping down from royal duties, he lost several honorary titles and military roles—but kept his connection to Sentebale.
In 2020, he told supporters, “We’re not walking away. And we certainly aren’t walking away from you.”

The charity’s name, Sentebale, means “forget me not” in Sesotho, and also serves as a farewell phrase—a poignant note, given Harry’s departure.

Meanwhile, Meghan Rebrands with New Ventures

Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, launched a new podcast this week titled “Confessions of a Female Founder” under her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
Her Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan,” also received a second-season renewal, despite mixed reviews from critics.