It has emerged that Prince Harry has quit his prized role at Sentebale – the African charity close to his heart that he set up almost 20 years ago – after a blistering boardroom battle erupted within the organisation
Prince Harry has been embroiled in a blistering boardroom battle involving the beloved charity he set up in honour of his late mother. More than 20 years ago, Prince Harry embarked on his gap year – and it proved to be highly significant. Aged just 19, he headed to the tiny African kingdom of Lesotho for two months. He came face-to-face with Aids orphans, met other traumatised young people and visited herd boys living a harsh existence looking after cattle in remote mountain areas.
Two years later – in memory of Princess Diana – he then set up Sentebale with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids. Its name means ‘forget-me-not’ – the favourite flower of Harry’s late mother.
Speaking when he launched the organisation in Lesotho nearly 20 years ago, he said:”You’ll be surprised. Come back to this place in 25 years, you’ll see a massive difference.” The young prince added “As far as I’m concerned, I’m committed for the rest of my life.”
However, after nearly two decades as patron, Harry has sensationally quit his role, along with co-founder Prince Seeiso, amid a heated clash within the organisation – saying the move has left him “heartbroken” and “devastated”. Several trustees have also left the charity in a dispute with the chairwoman of the board, Dr Sophie Chandauka, having requested her resignation. And she too has also issued a blistering statement in her defence with a thinly veiled jibe sparking a racism, sexism and bullying row.
Sentebale – ‘forget me not’
Sentebale was first set up in 2006 by Harry and Prince Seeiso, who also wanted to found the charity in honour of his mother. It was set up to help children living with HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and later Botswana and grew to also help young people develop life skills and learn about climate resilience.
Harry made several visits to the Kingdom over the years to see the charity in action and was one of a small number of private patronages he retained after he was stripped of his royal patronages and honorary military positions by the late Queen in 2021 after he and wife Meghan quit the UK.