Overview of the Sentebale Charity Dispute
The controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s involvement with the charity Sentebale has recently come under scrutiny, with the Charity Commission conducting an investigation into the organization. The findings revealed that there was “no evidence” of widespread bullying, harassment, or misogyny at the charity. However, the commission did highlight several governance and procedural issues that contributed to the dispute.
Prince Harry, along with co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and several trustees, resigned from their roles as patrons of Sentebale earlier this year. The decision followed a public disagreement over the direction of the charity, particularly regarding its fundraising strategies in the United States. This led to a significant rift between Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chair of the board, and other trustees, including Prince Harry.
The Investigation and Findings
The Charity Commission launched an investigation after a whistleblower raised concerns about the internal disputes within the charity. The report published by the commission outlined several key points:
- Governance Issues: The delegation of powers to the chair, including the consideration of an “executive chair” role, was described as confusing and poorly governed.
- Lack of Policies: There was a lack of clear policies and procedures for handling internal complaints, which contributed to the escalation of the conflict.
- Public Statements: The commission expressed concern over public statements made by individuals involved in the dispute, suggesting they may not have been in the best interest of the charity.
- No Evidence of Systemic Issues: Despite the tensions, the commission found no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment, or misogyny at the charity.
However, the report acknowledged that some parties felt mistreated during the conflict, and it emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through mediation and good faith efforts.
Why Did Prince Harry Resign?
In a joint statement, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso explained their resignation, stating that they were supporting the board of trustees who had also stepped down. They cited the breakdown in the relationship between the trustees and the chair as a key factor. According to the princes, the board acted in the best interest of the charity by asking the chair to step down, while keeping staff wellbeing in mind.
Other former trustees, including Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Dr. Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West, shared similar sentiments, describing their decision as “nothing short of devastating.” They claimed they felt forced into stepping down to protect the charity.
Who Is Dr. Sophie Chandauka?
Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chair of the board at Sentebale, refused to step down despite the pressure from the trustees. She criticized the situation, claiming that some individuals behaved as if they were above the law and used the media to harm those who challenged them. She described her actions as part of a broader effort to address issues of poor governance, abuse of power, and harassment within the charity.
Dr. Chandauka remains the chair of the board and has been in this role since July 2023. She is also the chair and co-founder of Nandi Life Sciences, a funding company that supports scientists working on treatments for rare diseases and autoimmune disorders.
About the Sentebale Charity
Founded by Prince Harry in 2006, Sentebale aims to address the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people in Botswana and Lesotho. The charity was established in memory of Princess Diana and focuses on improving the lives of children and young people in Africa. The recent restructuring of the board has led to a more agile and responsive organization, with reduced costs and improved governance practices.
Expert Opinions and Future Outlook
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliam noted that Prince Harry’s deep connection to Africa and his commitment to the cause make this development personally significant for him. He suggested that the outcome of the dispute could affect Harry’s public image, depending on how the situation unfolds.
Despite the turbulence, Dr. Chandauka expressed confidence in the future of the charity, emphasizing the resilience of the board and the continued focus on the mission of Sentebale. The charity remains committed to its goals and continues to work towards improving the lives of young people in Africa.