Sentebale Initiates Charity Commission Investigation Following Leadership Disputes

Sentebale, a charity established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho with a mission to support children in southern Africa, is now facing an investigation by the Charity Commission of the United Kingdom. This probe follows the resignation of both co-founders on March 26, 2023, amid reported conflicts with the charity’s chairperson, Dr. Sophie Chandauka.

The Charity Commission’s Investigation

The Charity Commission aims to ascertain whether the charity’s current and former trustees, including Dr. Chandauka, have adhered to their legal responsibilities as outlined in charity law.

Prince Harry’s Statement

In light of these developments, Prince Harry expressed support for the inquiry, emphasizing the important role of transparency. In a statement reported by People, he said: “On behalf of the former trustees and patrons, we share in the relief that the Charity Commission confirmed they will be conducting a robust inquiry. We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign. We remain hopeful this will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately, for the sake of the communities we serve.”

Harry also conveyed his feelings of sorrow regarding the charity’s recent turmoil: “What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal. No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself.”

Governance and Management Concerns

Dr. Chandauka has publicly supported the investigation, noting that she had previously alerted regulators to “various governance, administration, and management matters” in February. She mentioned that the organization had undertaken an internal governance review in the previous year, the findings of which would be shared with the Charity Commission.

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

Anonymous sources cited by People have alleged that Dr. Chandauka’s financial strategies placed undue stress on the organization, leading to disagreements with the charity’s founders. In a recent interview with Sky News, Dr. Chandauka suggested that Prince Harry’s lucrative Netflix deal may have conflicted with a fundraiser intended for Sentebale, further hinting at tensions involving Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle.

Conclusion

The unfolding situation at Sentebale demonstrates the complexities and challenges faced by charitable organizations, especially those with high-profile founders. As the Charity Commission begins its investigation, stakeholders and the wider community await clarity on the governance of this important charity.