Prince Harry Resigns from Sentebale Amid Controversial Allegations

Prince Harry resigned as a patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded with Prince Seeiso in honor of Princess Diana. His departure stems from tensions within the organization, particularly allegations of bullying and sexism leveled by chairwoman Sophie Chandauka against unnamed board members. The future of Sentebale may be affected as former trustees have resigned amid these disputes.

Prince Harry recently announced his resignation as a patron of Sentebale, an African charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. He cited a breakdown in the relationships between the board members and their chairwoman, Sophie Chandauka, as the primary reason for his departure. This charity was founded in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and primarily supports children and young people impacted by HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa.

The resignation took place amid serious allegations of bullying, harassment, sexism, and racism made by Chandauka against certain unnamed board members. In their joint statement, Harry and Seeiso expressed their shock at the turmoil, revealing that trustees had previously requested Chandauka’s resignation, which she refused. “What’s transpired is unthinkable,” they remarked, highlighting the detrimental impact on the organization.

Chandauka, a Zimbabwean corporate lawyer, published her own statement claiming she exposed poor governance and a culture of abuse within the charity. She has not identified specific individuals responsible for these alleged behaviors but noted that she has reported some trustees to the U.K. Charity Commission. Mark Dyer, a long-time mentor to Harry, was among the resigning trustees who expressed disbelief at the claims made against them.

Sentebale has a significant legacy; it assists vulnerable children and young people affected by AIDS through various support services. The charity evolved to address broader issues such as youth health, wealth, and climate resilience, which became points of contention among its leadership. Harry’s emotional connection to the work of Sentebale continues to be strong, as he recently visited Lesotho and interacted with the youth, asserting the charity’s role in building advocates for change.

In light of Prince Harry’s resignation from Sentebale, the charity faces unprecedented challenges amid allegations of misconduct. Both Harry and Seeiso’s departure indicates deeper issues within the organization, while Chandauka’s claims raise concerns about governance. Sentebale itself, rooted in a commitment to supporting young lives affected by AIDS, must now navigate the repercussions of this fallout, as its future direction remains uncertain.

Original Source: apnews.com