Prince Harry is “heartbroken” to quit his Sentebale charity.
The Duke of Sussex and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, wrote a joint statement Wednesday (via The Times) describing their “devastating” decision.
The duo, who created the African organization in 2006, blamed an “untenable situation” between chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka and the board of trustees.
“What’s transpired is unthinkable,” they explained. “We are in shock that we have to do this.
“With heavy hearts, we have resigned for our roles as patrons of the organization until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees,” they continued. “It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair.”
Harry, 40, and Seeiso, 58, clarified, “Although we may no longer be patrons, we will always be its founders, and we will never forget what this charity is capable of achieving when it is in the right care.”
The royals noted that they launched the charity, which helps young people affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis, “in honor of [their respective late] mothers,” Princess Diana and Queen Mamohato Bereng Seeiso.
The name, notably, means “forget-me-not,” with the pair explaining, “It’s what we’ve always promised for the young people we’ve served through this charity. Today is no different.”
Harry’s rep has yet to respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
The Duke of Sussex, who holds annual polo matches to raise money for the cause, most recently visited Lesotho in October 2024.
Sentebale has not yet “received resignations from the Royal Patrons,” a rep told People.
“We are pleased to confirm the restructuring of our board on 25 March 2025 to introduce experts with the capabilities and networks to accelerate Sentebale’s transformation agenda as announced last year,” the spokesperson added.
England’s Charity Commission revealed to People that they are “aware of concerns about the governance of Sentebale” and “assessing the issues to determine the appropriate regulatory steps.”
Dr. Chandauka, meanwhile, called the scandal “the story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir – and the coverup that ensued.”
She shaded Harry and Seeiso by saying Sentebale is “not a vanity project from which [she] can resign when … called to account.”
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