Prince Harry is “heartbroken” to step down from his role with the Sentebale charity.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the Duke of Sussex and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, explained their “devastating” decision.
The two, who established the African organization in 2006, cited an “untenable situation” involving chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka and the board of trustees as the reason behind their move.
“What’s transpired is unthinkable,” they told the London Times. “We are in shock that we have to do this.”
“With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organization until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees,” they continued. “It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair.”
Harry, 40, and Seeiso, 58, explained, “Although we may no longer be patrons, we will always be its founders, and we will never forget what this charity is capable of achieving when it is in the right care.”
The couple shared that their charity — created to support young people impacted by the HIV/AIDS crisis — was established “in honor of [their respective late] mothers,” Princess Diana and Queen Mamohato Bereng Seeiso.
They also pointed out that the charity’s name translates to “forget-me-not,” adding, “It’s what we’ve always promised for the young people we’ve served through this charity. Today is no different.”
Prince Harry, who continues to support the cause through his annual charity polo matches, made his most recent visit to Lesotho in October 2024.
According to a representative speaking to People, Sentebale has not officially “received formal resignations from the royal patrons.”
The spokesperson went on to say, “We are pleased to confirm the restructuring of our board on March 25, 2025, to introduce experts with the capabilities and networks to accelerate Sentebale’s transformation agenda as announced last year.”
England’s Charity Commission is reviewing concerns about the governance of Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso.
Dr. Vasu Chandauka, a former trustee, criticized the organization for poor leadership, bullying, and cover-ups. She also accused its founders of treating the charity like a “vanity project” and avoiding accountability.
