Prince Harry has stepped away from the charity he helped establish nearly two decades ago in an unexpected development.

His departure from Sentebale follows a period of internal changes and leadership shifts, which have sparked speculation about the organisation's future direction.

Supporters and observers wonder what this means for the charity's ongoing efforts.

Sentebale, which means 'forget-me-not' in Sesotho, was established by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 as a tribute to their late mothers.

The charity has been a beacon of hope for many, providing support and care to those affected by extreme poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Prince Harry's commitment to the cause has been unwavering. The Duke frequently visits Africa to support the charity's initiatives and attends fundraising events like one in New York last December.

Prince Harry's resignation as Sentebale patron was announced amid a leadership dispute. Credit: Facebook

However, the internal strife within Sentebale's leadership has led to an 'unthinkable' controversy.

The relationship between the charity's trustees and the board chair, Sophie Chandauka, a Zimbabwe-born lawyer appointed last year, deteriorated beyond repair.

The trustees, reportedly unhappy with Chandauka's leadership, requested her resignation, which she refused, leading to a lawsuit.

In a joint statement with Prince Seeiso, Prince Harry expressed their shock and dismay at the situation, stating, 'We are in shock that we have to do this.'

This highlighted their solidarity with the board of trustees and their collective decision to resign from their roles as patrons until further notice.

Prince Harry sided with the trustees, acknowledging that they 'acted in the best interest' of the charity by asking Chandauka to step down.

The former trustees, including Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West, expressed their deep pride in supporting the founding patrons' visionary work but felt compelled to resign due to the loss of trust and confidence in the board chair.

They emphasised that their decision was made with the charity's best interests at heart, despite the personal devastation it caused.

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The controversy has led to high-profile departures from Sentebale, including Richard Miller, the chief executive, and Baroness Chalker, the overseas development minister.

The charity's restructuring, which aimed to redeploy senior roles closer to the team and programs in Southern Africa, has been met with mixed reactions.

Dr Chandauka has vehemently defended her position, alleging a 'cover-up' within the charity and accusing her colleagues of 'weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir.'

Despite the personal attacks she has faced, she insists on standing up for integrity and the young people served by Sentebale.

The Charity Commission has confirmed its awareness of Sentebale's governance concerns and is determining the appropriate regulatory steps.

Meanwhile, Sentebale stated that notice of Prince Harry's resignation had not been received.

This unfolding drama within Sentebale raises critical questions about governance, leadership, and charitable organisations' challenges.

It also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the philanthropic sector.

As the situation continues to develop, supporters of Sentebale and the royal family will be watching closely to see how the charity navigates these turbulent waters and continues its vital work for the vulnerable communities it serves.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story reminds us of the complexities behind the scenes of charitable work.

It's a testament that even the noblest causes can face internal challenges threatening their stability and mission.

Key Takeaways

• Prince Harry resigns as patron from the charity Sentebale, which he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, amidst a leadership dispute and a row with the charity's trustees.
• The trustees and Prince Harry requested the resignation of Board Chair Dr Sophie Chandauka, leading to a lawsuit to block their attempt, which resulted in the trustees resigning.
• Sentebale, established in 2006, works to support African orphans and tackle poverty and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana, honouring Harry's late mother, Princess Diana.
• The Charity Commission is assessing concerns about Sentebale's governance as the chair, Dr Chandauka, alleges a 'cover-up' and misconduct within the charity while she continues to stand by her role and mission for the organisation.

Have you ever experienced or witnessed similar issues within charities you support? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[jojo3241]

Before giving to any charity, please do your due diligence and find out how much of each $dollar actually gets to where you think you are giving to.
Sometimes you're lucky if 20 cents in the dollar is viable, the other 80% goes for administration, paying wages, advertising etc.
They are more a charity for their own pockets which is so sad.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

Before giving to any charity, please do your due diligence and find out how much of each $dollar actually gets to where you think you are giving to.
Sometimes you're lucky if 20 cents in the dollar is viable, the other 80% goes for administration, paying wages, advertising etc.
They are more a charity for their own pockets which is so sad.

Yes you are so right, I volunteered for a charity and what I learnt about what goes on with feathering the administration's nests is quite gob smacking. I will still shop in op shops for my own benefit but will in no way give to any charity any more.

 

[HelenB55]

I have also stopped giving money to charities. One charity I always gave to was The Salvation Army, but not now.

Who pays for their fancy offices, the cars they drive around in, the uniforms they wear?

It all comes out of the donations first & very little goes to help those in need.

 

[Towing]

What people don't realise is the charities are legally obliged to keep accounts the same as businesses do.
Some charities have to pay rent for the places they use. They do have to pay some taxes, most have a phone for people to contact them. They also have to have their accounting audited the same as businesses.
Unless the charity is able to use private property free of charge there is some of your administration costs.

 

[Clancieblue]

Dad used to insist charity begins at home. He strongly believed that if each family looked after their own extended family members, we wouldn't need so much charity.

 

[Mummanew]

Dad used to insist charity begins at home. He strongly believed that if each family looked after their own extended family members, we wouldn't need so much charity.

Very wise words

 

[HelenB55]

I remember my Grandfather saying that

 

[Still Ebby]

Angelina Jolie had the best idea which was to just go there herself wherever it was At least she knew those in need were actually getting the help but of course thats impossible for most people.

 

[Tommy Jones]

Most charities are paying their directors a small fortune. One director can be on the boards of a lot of charities getting paid millions and it’s perfectly legal.
I worked for one charity about ten years ago who were supposed to be providing “in hospital schooling” for kids with cancer. They transferred $500,000 to a directors company supposedly for consulting. A reporter found out about it, did a news story on them and ASIC de registered them. The directors disappeared - apparently to the Philippines. I was ashamed to have worked for those scumbags.

 

[Macarj]

We have supported children overseas for 45years we only had to stop now on a pension the money we payed helped a child but also helped the community he or she lived in we do still support some Australian charities we have supported for many years ex service men and women , Animal shelters , and SES

 

[Sherril54]

I have supported many charities, even when I could not afford to do so. I realised that there was corruption and that the money was going elsewhere, especially a church based Multinational, which most of them are, Charities in Australia don`t pay Tax even when they are making millions and pay their CEO`S huge wages. How is this O.K.

 

[mOiOz]

Dad used to insist charity begins at home. He strongly believed that if each family looked after their own extended family members, we wouldn't need so much charity.

Yes, agree..., but many people have no home or family...

 

[mOiOz]

Dad used to insist charity begins at home. He strongly believed that if each family looked after their own extended family members, we wouldn't need so much charity.

Yes, agree..., but many people have no home or family...

 

[Clancieblue]

Yes, agree..., but many people have no home or family...

Theres always an exception to the rule, but I suppose my Dad was right. Charity BEGINS at home and then we do what we can for others.

 

[Kayer02]

Many, many years ago as a teenager I did lots of fundraising for charities.. One in particular was 40hr famine. I was shocked when we actually discovered as to how much of our hard earned dollars went into the pockets of administrative staff and all of the corrupt governments . The people whom the money was supposed to go to got a pittance.. Sometimes as low as 5c in the dollar.. I was disgusted, angry and heartbroken at the same time as I thought they received all the money.. What a young gullible fool I was. I no longer do any of this. I believe we have enough people in our own country that need the help first.