The Shocking Truth: 5 Key Takeaways From Prince Harry's Sentebale Exit And The Charity's Future

The long-standing relationship between Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Sentebale, the charity he co-founded, has reached a dramatic and controversial end. After nearly two decades of dedication to the organization supporting vulnerable young people in Southern Africa, Prince Harry unexpectedly stepped down as a patron in March 2025, a move that sent shockwaves through the philanthropic world and sparked intense media speculation. This resignation was not a quiet transition but the culmination of a significant governance dispute that led to a public 'war of words' and an official inquiry.

As of today, December 11, 2025, the focus has shifted to the aftermath: the findings of the Charity Commission's investigation, Prince Harry's sharp criticism of the verdict, and Sentebale's determination to continue its vital work in Lesotho and Botswana, highlighted by its robust 2024 Annual Report. This article dives deep into the recent crisis, the key figures involved, and the lasting legacy of the charity's mission.

Prince Harry's Sentebale: A Full Biography and Timeline

Sentebale, meaning 'Forget Me Not' in the Sesotho language, was established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The charity’s name is a tribute to their mothers, Princess Diana and Queen 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso, and their shared desire to support children in need. The organization's mission has always been to help children and young people affected by poverty, inequality, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Southern Africa.

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• Founding Year: 2006
• Co-Founders: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho
• Mission: To support vulnerable children and young people, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS, in Lesotho and Botswana.
• Key Programs: Psychological support, educational opportunities, and youth-led initiatives focused on health, wealth creation, and climate resilience.
• Harry's Role (2006–2025): Co-Founder and Patron. His involvement was deeply personal, stemming from his gap year visit to Lesotho in 2004.
• The Crisis: A significant governance dispute emerged in late 2024/early 2025.
• Resignation Date: March 2025. Prince Harry stepped down as Patron.

The Sentebale Governance Crisis: A Public Dispute and Inquiry

The core of the recent controversy lies in a breakdown of relations between Prince Harry and the charity's leadership, specifically its chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. The dispute, which became a public 'war of words,' led to the resignation of Prince Harry as Patron in March 2025, along with several other trustees who supported his stance.

This internal conflict over the strategic direction and management of the organization triggered an investigation by the UK's Charity Commission. The Commission's role was to examine the governance issues at Sentebale and ensure the charity was being run effectively and legally. The findings of this inquiry, released recently, resulted in the Commission issuing a Regulatory Action Plan for Sentebale.

The drama intensified following the release of the Commission's report. Prince Harry publicly criticized the regulator's verdict, stating that its findings fell "troublingly short" of a satisfactory conclusion. This rare public rebuke of a regulatory body by the Duke of Sussex underscored the depth of his frustration and the emotional impact of leaving the organization he founded at age 21 in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana.

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The situation serves as a critical case study in charity governance, highlighting the challenges even high-profile organizations face in balancing founder's vision with modern regulatory requirements and board oversight.

Sentebale's Ongoing Impact and Financial Resilience in 2025

Despite the high-profile governance storm, Sentebale has demonstrated remarkable operational and financial resilience. The charity's core mission—supporting young people in Southern Africa—remains its unwavering focus. The organization's latest financial reports provide an encouraging picture of its sustainable impact.

The Sentebale Annual Report for the period ending December 31, 2024, which was received by the Charity Commission in October 2025, details significant achievements. The report underscores the charity's commitment to regional leadership and robust governance, even as it emerges from the internal dispute.

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Key financial and impact highlights from the latest reporting period include:

• Total Income: Sentebale achieved a total income of approximately £3.35 million for the 2024 fiscal year.
• Program Focus: Continued focus on sustainable solutions that promote health, wealth creation, and climate resilience for young people in Lesotho and Botswana.
• Regional Leadership: The charity emphasized its exceptional regional leadership model, ensuring that programs are tailored to the specific needs of the communities they serve.

The charity's ongoing work is a testament to the dedication of its staff and the co-founder, Prince Seeiso, who continues to champion the cause. The needs of children orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho remain stark, making Sentebale's efforts more crucial than ever.

The Future of Harry's Philanthropic Endeavors

Prince Harry's resignation from Sentebale marked the end of an emotional and impactful chapter, but it is by no means the end of his philanthropic journey. His departure was described as a shock, particularly given his vow never to walk away from the organization he poured his heart into for so long.

While the Sentebale dispute was ongoing, speculation emerged that Prince Harry was already "eyeing a new charity" or shifting his focus to other existing ventures. He remains a founder and/or patron of several global organizations, including Travalyst (his sustainable tourism initiative) and WellChild (a UK-based charity for seriously ill children).

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's philanthropic work is now largely channeled through the Archewell Foundation, which focuses on various global issues. The Sentebale episode highlights Prince Harry’s commitment to strong governance and his willingness to take a public stand when he believes a charity's integrity or mission is compromised. His future endeavors will likely build on the lessons learned from this high-stakes governance row, focusing his energy on organizations where he can ensure his vision for impactful change is fully realized.

The split with Sentebale is a watershed moment, closing the book on one of his most personal and longest-held patronages. However, the legacy of the 'Forget Me Not' charity, co-founded with Prince Seeiso, will forever be tied to his early, deeply personal commitment to the people of Southern Africa.