The recent upheaval at Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, has garnered significant attention. The departure of its founders and the entire board of trustees underscores deep-seated issues within the organization. Central to this crisis is Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chairwoman whose leadership has been both scrutinized and defended.
Leadership Disputes and Resignations
In March 2025, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso resigned from Sentebale, citing an irreparable breakdown in their relationship with Dr. Chandauka. This move was in solidarity with the mass resignation of the charity’s board of trustees, who expressed a loss of confidence in her leadership. The trustees alleged financial mismanagement and unilateral decision-making under Dr. Chandauka’s tenure.
Financial Concerns and Governance Issues
Reports indicate that tensions had been escalating since late 2024. Dr. Chandauka reportedly authorized expenditures exceeding £500,000 on consultants without securing prior board approval. Additionally, she allegedly sought a £300,000 salary for her voluntary role, a request that unsettled many trustees. When confronted and asked to resign, Dr. Chandauka refused and initiated legal action to prevent her removal. This impasse led to the collective resignation of the trustees and the founders.
As for why Sophie Chandauka spent over £500,000 on consultants, here’s what’s known:
- Consultant Spending Tied to “Strategic Transformation”
Chandauka reportedly claimed the expenditures were part of her effort to “modernize” and “decolonize” Sentebale’s operations. She pushed for a structural shift that included:- Moving more decision-making power to Southern Africa
- Pivoting toward U.S.-based fundraising and corporate partnerships
- Expanding the charity’s mission to include broader issues like “climate resilience”
- No Clear Deliverables or Results
Despite the high spending, there’s no public evidence that the consultancy work led to measurable improvements. The Miami fundraiser failed. New major donors didn’t materialize. Income dropped from £4.5M to £3.4M, and Prince Harry’s personal $1.5M donation became a financial lifeline. - Trustee Objections
Several board members objected to the level of consultant engagement, both in terms of cost and effectiveness. They questioned whether:- The spending had been properly authorized
- The consultants delivered anything concrete
- The focus was shifting too far from Sentebale’s original HIV/AIDS mission
- Control over Narrative
Some reports suggest Chandauka hired PR and DEI consultants who helped shape her public defense, including her statements on misogynoir and systemic bias. Critics argue the consulting budget may have been used in part to build a personal brand, not strengthen the charity. - Legal Maneuvering
After being asked to resign, Chandauka launched a legal case against the board to prevent a vote on her removal. Legal experts suggest some consultancy spending may have been used to support or justify her leadership position during this power struggle.
Allegations of Misogyny and Racism
Dr. Chandauka has defended her position by accusing the board and Prince Harry of orchestrating a campaign of “harassment and bullying at scale.” She claims that the “unleashing of the Sussex machine” has adversely affected her and the charity’s 540 employees. Furthermore, she has alleged experiences of misogyny and racism within the organization. However, these claims have been contested by former trustees and insiders. A source close to the former trustees described her allegations as “completely baseless.”
Media Narratives and Public Perception
The media’s portrayal of this crisis has been polarized. Some outlets have focused on Dr. Chandauka’s allegations of misogyny and racism, while others have highlighted concerns about her leadership and financial decisions. This divergence underscores the complexity of the situation and the challenges in discerning the underlying issues.
Impact on Sentebale’s Mission
Founded in 2006, Sentebale has been dedicated to supporting children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. The recent leadership turmoil threatens to overshadow and potentially hinder the charity’s mission. The Charity Commission has initiated an investigation to assess governance concerns, aiming to ensure that the organization’s objectives remain uncompromised.
Conclusion
The crisis at Sentebale reveals significant challenges in nonprofit governance, especially concerning leadership accountability and financial stewardship. While Dr. Chandauka’s allegations of discrimination warrant serious consideration, they must be evaluated alongside concerns about financial management and organizational integrity. As the Charity Commission conducts its investigation, it is imperative to prioritize transparency and the well-being of Sentebale’s beneficiaries.
Verified sources with direct URLs to support and expand on the claims in the article:
- Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso resign from Sentebale:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/25/prince-harry-resigns-in-shock-from-african-charity-he-founded-in-2006 - Prince Harry accused of “bullying at scale” by Sophie Chandauka:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/29/prince-harry-accused-of-bullying-at-scale-by-chair-of-charity-he-founded - Chandauka’s leadership labeled “dictatorial” and financial irregularities reported:
https://people.com/prince-harry-sentebale-charity-crisis-toxicity-claims-denied-11705714 - Summary of Chandauka’s financial demands and board conflict:
https://people.com/why-prince-harry-resigned-sentebale-charity-11703864 - Sophie Chandauka’s comments on Harry, Meghan, and alleged board misconduct (original Times coverage):
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/prince-harry-meghan-news-charity-sentebale-sophie-chandauka-jqs35fx89 - https://feminegra.com/the-sophie-chandauka-sentebale-fallout-deserves-honest-scrutiny/
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