The UK’s Charity Commission has cleared Prince Harry of accusations of bullying at Sentebale, the African charity he co‑founded in 2006, but criticized all parties involved for allowing their internal feud to spill into the public eye.
The watchdog’s findings, released Wednesday after a months‑long investigation, found “no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir” within the charity. However, the commission concluded that poor governance had led to “mismanagement in the administration of the charity,” citing a “lack of clarity in delegations.”
The inquiry followed a highly publicized fallout in March and April, when Sentebale chairperson Sophie Chandauka accused the Duke of Sussex of “bullying.” Days earlier, Prince Harry and co‑founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho announced their resignations after trustees walked out in protest when Chandauka refused to step down at their request
Sentebale, named in memory of Princess Diana and focused on helping young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana, was left reeling from the dispute.
In its statement, the Charity Commission said the “damaging internal dispute” had “severely impacted the charity’s reputation,” urging reforms to strengthen its governance. A formal plan has been issued to address these weaknesses.
Prince Harry, who had earlier described the allegations as “blatant lies” that were “heartbreaking to witness,” has not yet commented on the watchdog’s report. In April, he said the turmoil had hurt those who had “invested decades in this shared goal.”
Sentebale welcomed the commission’s conclusions, while Chandauka, who remains chair after being appointed to the voluntary role in 2023, said she “appreciated” the findings. She noted the report confirmed governance concerns she had raised privately in February 2025, though she did not address the dismissal of her bullying allegations.
Chandauka has previously criticized Harry for inviting a Netflix camera crew to a 2024 polo fundraiser and for an unscheduled appearance by his wife, Meghan, arguing the moves were inappropriate for the charity.
David Holdsworth, the Charity Commission’s chief executive, called on all sides to prioritize the organization’s mission over personal disagreements. “Moving forward I urge all parties not to lose sight of those who rely on the charity’s services,” he said.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso launched Sentebale in tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in 1997. Its name means “forget me not” in Sesotho, reflecting the princes’ shared commitment to supporting vulnerable children in southern Africa.
Despite recent turbulence, Chandauka struck a conciliatory tone, stating: “Despite the recent turbulence, we will always be inspired by the vision of our founders, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
