…as Sentebale emerges from turmoil
Hopolang Mokhopi
THE United Kingdom Charity Commission has found no evidence that Prince Harry bullied or harassed staff during his involvement with Sentebale, contradicting earlier suggestions made by the charity’s current chairperson, Sophie Chandauka.
In its final compliance report, the Commission stated there was “no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity”, though it did acknowledge the “strong perception of ill treatment felt by a number of parties” and the emotional impact it may have had.
According to a statement released by Sentebele’s spokesperson, Megan Mathews yesterday, the clarification is a major vindication for the charity’s co-founder, Prince Harry, who, along with Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso, was effectively pushed out of the organisation in March 2025 during a dramatic internal power struggle.
The Princes’ departure followed a series of high-profile board resignations and public allegations that cast a shadow over Sentebale’s leadership and future.
Founded in 2006 by the two royals to support vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana, Sentebale has in recent years undergone major transformation — including a shift in executive operations from London to Southern Africa.
This pivot led to growing tensions within the board, which exploded into public view earlier this year.
In February 2025, Dr Chandauka, who had recently taken over as Chair, submitted a whistleblower complaint to the Charity Commission alleging governance irregularities, leadership overreach, and an environment that she said was “toxic and non-compliant”. Although her statement did not directly name Prince Harry as a perpetrator, her public remarks and subsequent media reporting strongly suggested that the co-founder’s role had become problematic.
By 24 March 2025, a group of trustees who opposed the new leadership direction resigned.
Amid escalating pressure and media scrutiny, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso also stepped away, ending their formal association with the charity they founded in memory of their mothers, Princess Diana and Queen ‘Mamohato.
After months of review, the Charity Commission concluded that Sentebale had “validly appointed trustees” and welcomed the organisation’s full cooperation during the investigation, including the sharing of internal documents and policies.
An Action Plan was issued to address lingering governance weaknesses, particularly the lack of clear internal processes for complaints and dispute resolution.
Sentebale welcomed the findings and emphasised that the recommendations are aligned with governance reforms already underway since early 2024.
The following are among the changes implemented or in progress: a formal internal complaints and whistleblowing policy; a constitutionally enshrined dispute resolution process; a trustee code of conduct; and, a clearly defined delegation of responsibilities, including patron roles.
Dr Chandauka, responding to the Commission’s findings, said the internal crisis had tested the charity’s resilience and thanked the current board and staff for remaining focused amid “unprecedented media glare”.
“The unexpected adverse media campaign launched by those who resigned has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviours displayed in private,” Dr Chandauka said.
“We are emerging not just grateful to have survived, but stronger: more focused, better governed, boldly ambitious, and with our dignity intact.”
Despite the upheaval, Sentebale says it has maintained uninterrupted service to children and young people across Lesotho and Botswana and is on track to reach more than 78,000 beneficiaries in 2025, matching or exceeding its 2024 impact.
The charity also reports a 25% reduction in operating costs through restructuring, while retaining 95% of its staff. It has repositioned executive leadership in Southern Africa and adopted a more agile board structure to respond swiftly to operational needs.
Executive Director, Carmel Gaillard, said staff remained committed throughout the uncertainty.
“We are profoundly grateful to our partners across Lesotho and Botswana who stood by us, confident in our impact and integrity.”
Trustee, Bhakti Hansoti, stressed that the governance concerns centred on the previous board, and that the current team is committed to “robust governance practices and accountability.”
Trustee Iain Rawlinson added that the Commission’s clarity now provides a strong foundation for engaging institutional funders and partners.
Looking Ahead
With the Commission’s investigation formally closed and governance reforms underway, Sentebale is repositioning itself to address the intersecting challenges of health, economic inequality, and climate vulnerability facing young people in Southern Africa.
Although Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso are no longer formally involved, Sentebale’s leadership says the mission remains true to the founders’ original vision, and is now better equipped to deliver on it.
“Inspired by the vision of our Founders . . . Sentebale recovers, renews, and rises,” Dr Chandauka said.
