Prince Harry has resigned from Sentebale, a charity he co-founded to honor Princess Diana, amid allegations of poor governance and misconduct involving the chairwoman and board members. His resignation, made with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, reflects a breakdown in relationships within the organization, raising concerns about the charity’s future direction and its commitment to supporting youth affected by HIV in southern Africa.
Prince Harry has recently resigned from his role as patron of Sentebale, an African charity he co-founded in 2006 to honor his mother, Princess Diana. This decision, announced alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, follows a formal dispute involving the charity’s governance, particularly concerning the chairwoman, Sophie Chandauka, and the board members. The charity aims to support youth affected by AIDS in southern African nations, namely Lesotho and Botswana.
Sentebale was established with a mission to assist young individuals impacted by HIV, a cause close to Prince Harry’s heart following his experiences during a gap year in Lesotho. The name ‘Sentebale’, meaning “do not forget me” in Sesotho, reflects the charity’s commitment to remembrance and support for vulnerable youth. Both princes expressed their grief and disbelief regarding the internal issues, describing the breakdown of relationships within the organization as “devastating.”
Chandauka has made serious allegations against unnamed board members, which include accusations of bullying and discrimination. In her statement, she noted that her whistle-blowing actions were aimed at addressing alleged poor governance and harassment within Sentebale. The exact details and identities associated with these allegations remain undisclosed.
The resignation of key trustees followed a failed attempt to remove Chandauka from her position. As the board members stepped down, they emphasized that their actions were for the welfare of Sentebale, contradicting the chair’s claims regarding the organization’s governance. The charity’s original focus has since expanded to include broader issues affecting youth in southern Africa, but this evolution has reportedly led to disagreements among its leadership.
Sentebale is notable not only for its support of those affected by AIDS but also for carrying on Princess Diana’s legacy, who advocated for AIDS awareness shortly before her tragic passing. Recently, Prince Harry reaffirmed his connection to the cause during a visit to Lesotho, where he engaged with local youth advocates. The future of Sentebale remains uncertain in light of these leadership controversies and allegations.
Prince Harry’s resignation from Sentebale highlights significant internal conflicts related to governance and allegations of misconduct, including bullying and discrimination. The co-founder’s deep connection to the charity and its mission to support young people affected by HIV reflects his commitment to honoring his mother’s legacy. As Sentebale navigates these challenges, its future direction remains a topic of concern.
Original Source: apnews.com
