ROW DEEPENS
Prince Harry ‘lost interest’ in Sentebale after marrying Meghan & ‘killed charity’s spirit’, claims co-founder’s pal
The two co-founders sensationally quit the charity last month, citing the 'untenable' leadership of the board's chair
PRINCE Harry lost interest in his African charity Sentebale after marrying Meghan Markle and moving to the US, it has been claimed.
The Duke of Sussex's lack of love for the organisation "killed the spirit" of the charity, following his marriage in 2018 and international move two years later.
5
5
5
Prince Harry and his charity co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho sensationally quit the charity last month after siding with furious trustees against board chair Sophie Chandauka, claiming her leadership was "untenable".
Now, shocking new claims over Harry's loss of interest have been made by Prince Seeiso's pal, Chief Khoabane Theko.
He told : "When [Sentebale] was launched, I remember his words quite vividly, because he was very strong in saying ‘my mother, this place, her passion about Africa’ and all that.
"He’s a loved figure because of his openness, but his loss of interest has totally killed the spirit of the Sentebale’s survival."
Read More on Sentebale Row
The Duke of Sussex, 40, had set the African charity up in 2006 in memory of his mum, Princess Diana, along with his pal Prince Seeiso.
Chief Theko also said he was "perturbed" that the Duke and Duchess would take holidays in Africa but not visit Lesotho.
Harry last visited the country in October 2024, and this was the first time he had gone in six years.
He had previously visited more frequently, making four trips between June 2010 and the end of 2015.
Most read in Royals
Chief Theko was, however, not aware that the Duke of Sussex had visited Lesotho twice since his marriage.
Prince Harry found himself at the centre of a row with Sentebale which erupted in March after Dr Chandauka accused the charity's board of harassment, bullying, and misogynoir.
‘Playing the race card’ slur levelled at Harry’s charity boss is hypocritical after Meghan’s antics, expert slams
Harry and Seeiso had previously revealed they sided with their charity's furious trustees, who unanimously resigned following disagreements with the board's chair.
The charity's boss then released an explosive statement in which she slammed "unthinkable" infighting in the organisation as well as made claims that there had been a "cover-up".
Chandauka, a Zimbabwe-born lawyer, was selected to be chair of the trustees last year.
However, it is understood the trustees strongly opposed this move and had wanted her to step down - a move which has seen her sue.
The bitter feud appeared to be triggered by the move to transfer the charity's fundraising operation to Africa, which caused several key figures to quit the organisation.
In a statement given to the , Chandauka alleged there had been "weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir".
Misogynoir is the term used to describe discrimination against black women.
Princes Harry and Seeiso had said it was "devastating" to leave the charity, but slammed Chandauka for her "untenable" leadership.
They said this had forced them to consider the "unthinkable" decision of resigning.
In response, Chandauka appeared to suggest Harry and Seeiso were using the charity as a "vanity project", saying she would not be "intimidated" by them.
The board chair also slammed "people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people...then play the victim card and use the very press they disdain".
She told The Sun she had acted with integrity as a "proud African" and that she "stand[s] for those other women who do not have the ways and means".
'RELATIONSHIP BROKE DOWN BEYOND REPAIR'
A Sentebale spokesman said: “This is a particularly difficult time to have joined the organisation, given the unexpected sustained and intrusive media attention.
“She has chosen to step down out of respect for her family and other professional commitments, which we fully understand, respect and support. We deeply appreciate her interest in Sentebale over a long period of time and look forward to staying in touch.”
In a joint statement, princes Harry and Seeiso said: "With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organisation until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same.
"It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation."
They added: "What’s transpired is unthinkable. We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries, so we will be sharing all of our concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about."
The Charity Commission has also confirmed that an investigation is underway into the charity, which was set up to support those living with HIV and Aids in Africa.
A spokesperson told The Sun: "We can confirm that we are aware of concerns about the governance of Sentebale.
Read More on The Sun
"We are assessing the issues to determine the appropriate regulatory steps."
Archewell was approached for comment by The Sun.
5
5
Topics