The Sentebale Scandal: 5 Shocking Revelations From The Charity Commission's Investigation And Prince Harry's Exit

The Sentebale charity, co-founded by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has been at the center of a significant governance controversy, culminating in a formal investigation by the UK Charity Commission and the Prince's subsequent stepping down as a patron. The findings, which became public in late 2024, did not uncover evidence of bullying or harassment, as some initial reports suggested, but instead revealed critical strategic and financial difficulties, alongside a breakdown in communication among the charity's trustees. This article, updated for December 2025, provides an in-depth look at the internal dispute, the regulatory fallout, and the future of the organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people in Southern Africa. The dispute led to a period of intense media scrutiny and a formal Regulatory Action Plan being issued to Sentebale, forcing the charity to overhaul its governance structure. The fallout has been substantial, with Prince Harry expressing his "shock" at the need to step down and strongly criticizing the Charity Commission's official report for falling "troublingly short" in its analysis of the underlying issues.

Biography: The Founders and The Mission

The Sentebale charity was established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The name 'Sentebale' means 'forget-me-not' in the Sesotho language, serving as a poignant tribute to both of their mothers, Princess Diana and Queen 'Mamohato Bereng Seeiso, who both dedicated their lives to charitable work.

• Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex: Co-Founder (2006) and former Patron. He initiated the charity after spending a gap year in Lesotho and witnessing the devastating impact of poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic on children.
• Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso: Co-Founder. He is a member of the Royal Family of Lesotho and a prominent advocate for youth development and health in the region.
• Mission: Sentebale's core mission is to help vulnerable children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana, and later Malawi, who are affected by poverty, inequality, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This includes providing psychosocial support, education, and access to health services.
• Geographic Focus: Lesotho, Botswana, and Malawi.
• Key Programs: Clubs and Camps, Mentorship, and the Network of Excellence.

The Core of the Sentebale Controversy: Governance and Strategy Failures

The "scandal" that rocked the charity was not a case of outright financial fraud but rather a severe internal boardroom battle over strategic direction and accountability, which led to a series of high-profile trustee resignations. The UK Charity Commission launched an official inquiry to examine the allegations, particularly focusing on governance failures and potential financial mismanagement. The investigation, which concluded in 2024, identified several critical issues that necessitated regulatory intervention. The findings paint a picture of an organization struggling with internal coherence and proper oversight, despite its vital work on the ground.

1. Strategic and Financial Difficulties

The regulator observed that Sentebale was grappling with significant strategic and financial difficulties. The report highlighted that the charity's problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging narrative that threatened to overshadow its charitable activities. These difficulties were linked to the overall governance structure and how major decisions were handled.

2. Failure to Communicate Legal Strategy

One of the most damaging findings was the lack of proper communication regarding a specific legal strategy. The Charity Commission found that the full scope and cost implications of this strategy were not properly communicated to all trustees or authorized by the entire board. This breakdown in transparency and oversight was a key factor in the resulting board dispute and subsequent resignations. The regulator noted that this incident underscored significant weaknesses in board oversight and due diligence.

3. Trustee Independence and Board Oversight

The controversy brought to light crucial lessons regarding trustee independence and the need for rigorous board oversight. The Charity Commission emphasized that the board must act collectively and ensure that all major decisions, especially those with significant financial or reputational risk, are fully discussed and formally approved by all trustees. The dispute suggested a failure in this collective responsibility, leading to the internal crisis.

Prince Harry's Shock Exit and Strong Rebuke

The most striking development in the wake of the investigation was Prince Harry's decision to step down as a patron of the charity he co-founded. His departure was described by sources as being "in shock" over the internal issues that had transpired. This move signaled a definitive break from the organization, though his commitment to its mission remains.

A Direct Criticism of the Watchdog

Following the Charity Commission's publication of its findings, Prince Harry did not remain silent. He issued a statement accusing the charity watchdog's report of falling "troublingly short" in its conclusions. His criticism suggested that the official report did not fully capture the complexity or the severity of the internal dispute, implying that the root causes of the governance failure were deeper than the regulator acknowledged. This public disagreement with the regulatory body is a rare and significant event, highlighting the intensity of the boardroom battle that led to the crisis.

Considering a New Philanthropic Path

In the aftermath of the dispute, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex confirmed that Prince Harry is considering establishing a new charity. This potential new venture suggests a desire to continue his philanthropic work in Southern Africa and globally, but under a new structure, potentially offering him greater control and a fresh start away from the shadow of the Sentebale governance issues. The focus on African communities is expected to remain a central theme of his future endeavors.

Sentebale's Continued Mission and Financial Resilience

Despite the public scandal and governance challenges, Sentebale has demonstrated a commitment to its beneficiaries and a degree of financial resilience. The charity's leadership has affirmed its responsibility to continue its vital work with vulnerable young people. The Annual Reports and Accounts for the period ending December 2024 show an ongoing dedication to its core mission. Key financial and operational highlights indicate that the charity is moving forward:

• Increased Charitable Investment: Sentebale's 2023 Annual Report highlighted an increase in investment in programs by 22% for the '22/'23 fiscal year, reflecting a planned expansion of its charitable activities.
• Financial Stability: The organization's financial summary for the 12 months to December 2024 showed income of £3.35 million, compared with £3.41 million for the previous year, demonstrating relative stability despite the internal turmoil.
• Focus on Beneficiaries: The charity continues to operate its flagship programs, including its Clubs and Camps and Mentorship programs, to provide psychosocial support and education to thousands of young people affected by HIV/AIDS and inequality in Lesotho, Botswana, and Malawi.
• Regulatory Compliance: Following the Charity Commission's intervention, Sentebale is now operating under a strict Regulatory Action Plan, which mandates significant changes to its governance structure and operational procedures to prevent future failures.

The Sentebale controversy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in high-profile charitable organizations, even those with royal backing. While the internal dispute and governance failures were significant, leading to the departure of its co-founder, the organization's continued commitment to its beneficiaries in Southern Africa remains its guiding principle. The charity's future is now focused on rebuilding trust, implementing robust governance, and ensuring its life-changing programs can endure for years to come.