In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry has expressed his deep shock after resigning as a patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded to support young people living with HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. This decision follows a contentious dispute between the charity's trustees and its chair, Sophie Chandauka. The situation has raised concerns about the future of the organization that has been a significant part of Harry's philanthropic efforts.
Established in 2006, Sentebale was created by Prince Harry in memory of his mother, Princess Diana, who tragically passed away in a car accident in Paris nine years prior. The name "Sentebale" translates to "forget-me-not" in the local language of Lesotho, symbolizing the charity's mission to provide support and care for vulnerable children affected by HIV and AIDS in the region.
The conflict that led to Prince Harry's resignation involved a breakdown in the relationship between the charity's trustees and the chair of the board, Sophie Chandauka. In a joint statement issued on Wednesday and reported by Sky News, Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, expressed their devastation over the situation. They noted that it had become "untenable" and that the trustees had acted in the best interests of the charity by requesting the chair to step down. This decision was not taken lightly and underscores the seriousness of the issues at hand.
Despite stepping back from his royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Prince Harry has remained dedicated to various causes across Africa. His commitment to philanthropy, especially related to health issues, has been unwavering, and he made a notable visit to Nigeria last year, further emphasizing his connection to the continent.
In their joint statement, Harry and Seeiso reiterated their lasting bond with Sentebale, stating, "Although we may no longer be patrons, we will always be its founders, and we will never forget what this charity is capable of achieving when it is in the right care." This sentiment highlights their hope for the charity’s future, despite the current turmoil.
As the situation unfolds, Reuters has reached out to both Britain’s Charity Commission and Sentebale for further comments, signaling the importance of transparency and accountability in the charity sector.
