Key Points Following Prince Harry’s Resignation from Sentebale Charity

Prince Harry has resigned from Sentebale, a charity he co-founded to honor Princess Diana, amid allegations of misconduct against board members. His resignation supports the trustees who left due to disputes with chairwoman Sophie Chandauka, who claims to have reported serious governance issues. The charity, which aids children in Lesotho and Botswana affected by HIV/AIDS, now faces uncertain leadership and direction.

Prince Harry has resigned from Sentebale, an African charity he co-founded nearly 20 years ago in honor of his mother, Princess Diana. His departure follows allegations of bullying and harassment made by chairwoman Sophie Chandauka against unnamed board members. Prince Harry and Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso announced their resignation to support the trustees who stepped down amid disputes with Chandauka. Sentebale was initiated after Harry volunteered at an orphanage in Lesotho during his gap year, aiming to aid young people impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Sentebale aims to provide support to children affected by AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana, with a mission to deliver health services, education, and vocational training. The charity works closely with young people and has expanded its focus to youth health, wealth, and climate resilience. This evolution in focus has been a point of contention within leadership. Notably, the name “Sentebale” means “don’t forget me” in Sesotho, reflecting the charity’s deep-rooted mission.

Following the resignation of trustees, Prince Harry expressed shock over the situation, stating the breakdown in relationships was “devastating” and that what transpired was “unthinkable.” Chandauka has accused the trustees of poor governance, without specifying details or naming individuals involved. One trustee, Mark Dyer, had been a longstanding mentor for Harry, while another indicated in a media interview that the allegations seemed unfounded.

Chandauka has reported concerns about board members to the U.K. Charity Commission, where Sentebale is registered, yet specifics surrounding these allegations remain unclear. The charity’s future direction is under scrutiny, particularly as it diverges into new domains that not all board members may support. Prince Harry’s commitment to Sentebale was reaffirmed during a recent visit, where he engaged with young advocates and expressed a deep connection to Lesotho, calling it a second home.

In summary, Prince Harry’s resignation from Sentebale underscores deep governance issues within the organization, marked by serious allegations from chairwoman Sophie Chandauka against board members. The charity, which supports children affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa, faces uncertain leadership and a potential shift in focus. The situation highlights the challenges in non-profit management and governance, reflecting on the legacy established by Princess Diana.

Original Source: apnews.com