Britain’s Charity Commission has cleared Prince Harry of bullying allegations tied to a bitter leadership row within Sentebale, the African youth charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago.
The investigation followed public accusations from Sentebale’s chair, Sophie Chandauka, who claimed the Duke of Sussex attempted to force her out through “bullying” and “harassment.” The dispute erupted earlier this year when multiple trustees resigned after Chandauka refused calls to step down. Shortly after, Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho announced their own resignations from the organisation.
Founded in 2006 in memory of Princess Diana, Sentebale supports children and young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. Harry has long championed the charity’s mission, maintaining his role even after stepping back from official royal duties in 2020.
The Charity Commission’s report concluded there was “no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying or harassment” within Sentebale, but sharply criticised all sides for allowing the dispute to unfold in the public arena. The regulator said the very public fallout damaged the charity’s reputation and revealed weaknesses in governance and decision-making.
A compliance plan has been issued to address those governance issues. “Moving forward, I urge all parties not to lose sight of those who rely on the charity’s services,” said Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth.
Chandauka, appointed in 2023, had previously faulted Harry over a Netflix film crew’s presence at a polo fundraising event and Meghan Markle’s unplanned appearance. Harry described the episode as “heartbreaking,” lamenting the impact of “blatant lies” on people who had committed years to Sentebale’s cause.
The name Sentebale, meaning “forget me not” in the Sesotho language, was chosen as a personal tribute to Diana and the communities it serves. The commission has urged all involved to prioritise the charity’s work over personal disputes.
