The charity co-founded by Prince Harry in memory of Princess Diana is under investigation by the Charity Commission regarding a defamation lawsuit against him. The Commission has been collaborating with Sentebale trustees since February to comprehend how the legal action aligns with the charity’s objectives.
Allegations have been made by Sentebale’s board of trustees, claiming that Harry orchestrated a negative media campaign resulting in operational disruptions and damage to the charity’s reputation. Court documents reveal that the duke and former trustee Mark Dyer are being sued for libel or slander. In response, Harry and Dyer vehemently denied these accusations in a statement issued through a spokesperson.
Sentebale, established by the Duke of Sussex in 2006 to aid young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana, clarified that external sources are funding the legal proceedings, not charitable donations. The origin of this external funding remains undisclosed.
Regarding the ongoing legal action, a Charity Commission spokesperson emphasized the potential risks such actions pose to a charity’s beneficiaries, assets, and image. A legal expert highlighted that Sentebale must justify to the Commission that legal action is the most appropriate course of action.
The charity faced turmoil last year following Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso’s resignation as patrons due to internal conflicts. The dispute erupted when the trustees clashed with charity chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka, leading to the resignations. The Commission’s subsequent investigation highlighted the failure of all parties involved to resolve the conflict privately, potentially undermining public trust in charitable organizations.
While no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment was found by the Charity Commission, the investigation acknowledged a perceived sense of mistreatment among some individuals. The fallout from the internal strife has deeply affected Harry emotionally after nearly two decades of involvement with the charity.
