Prince Harry has stepped down as patron of Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to honor their late mothers, Princess Diana and Queen Mamahato. The decision follows a breakdown in the relationship between the charity’s trustees and its chair, which the pair described as “untenable.” Seeiso also resigned, ending their formal involvement with the organization.

Sentebale supports youth in Lesotho and Botswana through programs focused on health, HIV and AIDS awareness, economic equity, and climate resilience. The charity’s website names Sophie Chandauka as chair, a position she assumed in July 2023. Although Sentebale stated it had not received official resignations, Harry and Seeiso claimed the trustees had asked the chair to step down, citing staff wellbeing.

Harry attends the 2006 launch of Sentebale at the Mants’ase children’s home in Lesotho, marking the beginning of his charitable work in southern Africa.

Chandauka refused and responded with legal action, further straining the relationship. In her statement, she framed the conflict as retaliation for raising concerns over governance, alleging bullying, harassment, and misogynoir. She said Sentebale is “not a vanity project from which I can resign when I am called to account.”

Harry and Seeiso, calling the situation “unthinkable,” said they plan to raise the matter with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, which confirmed it is reviewing the governance issues. Despite leaving their formal roles, they said they will always remain the charity’s founders and remain committed to its mission.