Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is reportedly “furious” and “utterly devastated” following his recent departure from Sentebale, the charitable organization he co-founded nearly two decades ago.
According to royal editor Rebecca English of the Daily Mail, Harry, who officially stepped away from Sentebale in March, has been making lengthy, emotional phone calls from California to express his frustration and anger over what he allegedly sees as a “hostile takeover” of the charity he helped build.
“Harry, I am told, is ‘utterly devastated’, spending hours on the phone from California to supporters late into the night, raging about a ‘hostile takeover’ of his ‘life’s work,” English reported.
Sentebale was founded in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support vulnerable children and young people affected by HIV and AIDS in southern Africa. However, recent internal disputes have cast doubt on the charity’s future and left its founding members disillusioned.
Complicating matters further, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the current chairwoman of Sentebale’s board, publicly accused Prince Harry of bullying, harassment, and misogyny.
Referring to these allegations, English wrote, “One source close to the prince told me yesterday there was ‘no way in hell’ he would ever work with Sentebale again – ‘or at least not while Sophie Chandauka and her new stool pigeons [new trustees] were in place.’”
It is important to note that an investigation found no evidence supporting the allegations of bullying, harassment, or misogyny. The UK Charity Commission later issued a statement criticizing all parties involved in the public fallout and urged a more professional approach to governance and conflict resolution.
Despite the lack of formal findings against him, Prince Harry is said to be deeply affected by the situation. “This has been emotionally absolutely devastating for Prince Harry and [co-founder] Prince Seeiso of Lesotho,” an insider told English.
“What’s been perpetrated over the last few months is nothing short of a hostile takeover.” The ongoing dispute has cast uncertainty over the future of Sentebale, which has long been a key part of Prince Harry’s charitable legacy.
While the Duke of Sussex has remained active in philanthropic causes since stepping down from royal duties, the breakdown of his relationship with Sentebale marks a significant rupture in one of his longest-running charitable commitments.
As of now, neither Prince Harry nor the charity has issued a formal public statement regarding the latest developments.