On January 19, 2020, Prince Harry delivered an emotional farewell speech at a Sentebale dinner as he prepared for a new life in the U.S. The charity, founded to support children in Lesotho affected by HIV/AIDS, has been integral to his adult life. Despite challenges and a recent breakdown in relationships among trustees, Harry remains committed to Sentebale’s mission, reflecting the deep personal significance tied to his late mother Diana’s legacy.
On January 19, 2020, Prince Harry delivered a poignant speech during a dinner for his charity, Sentebale, as he prepared to transition to a new life in the United States with Meghan Markle. He expressed gratitude to the attendees for providing him with courage as he embraced a new chapter, citing his love for Meghan, his emotional ties to his mother’s legacy, and his sense of sadness about leaving the UK behind.
Sentebale has been a significant part of Prince Harry’s life since its inception when he created the charity in 2006 to support children orphaned by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho. His first visit to the country was during a gap year in 2004, which profoundly influenced his outlook. The name Sentebale translates to “forget-me-not” in Sesotho, further emphasizing the connection to his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
During the dinner, Prince Harry acknowledged his deep connection to Sentebale, stating that it helped guide him after the loss of his mother. He noted that shared experiences of loss with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, his co-founder, sparked their commitment to the charity’s mission, which has thrived despite personal challenges and royal family conflicts.
Although Prince Harry’s relocation to the U.S. has limited his physical involvement, he has maintained an active role in the charity through his support team based in California. His last visit to Lesotho was in 2024, where he and Prince Seeiso reviewed the charity’s recent initiatives. Despite recent tensions and a breakdown in relations with trustees, he reaffirmed that his commitment to Sentebale would “never falter.”
Currently, Prince Harry faces a significant personal and organizational challenge as he steps away from Sentebale amid disputes over its direction, illustrating the complexities of balancing personal and charity commitments, especially after his departure from royal duties.
Prince Harry’s departure from Sentebale signifies a profound personal transition, punctuated by his emotional ties to the charity, which honors his late mother, Diana. Despite a strong commitment to its mission, recent disputes have forced him to re-evaluate his role. This moment reflects the ongoing challenges he navigates in balancing his philanthropic endeavors with personal challenges, underlining the significance of Sentebale in his life and the impact of his decision on its future.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
