Prince Harry says he resigned as patron of his charity Sentebale after the relationship with the chair and trustees «broke down beyond repair.» Sophie Chandauka says she will remain as the chair amid the charity’s ‘ambitious transformation agenda.’ Harry and charity co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho said they would be in contact with the UK’s Charity Commission about their concerns.
Prince Harry Resigns as Patron Following Breakdown with Charity Chair and Trustees
As the situation unfolds, the charity Sentebale is continuing with its transformation agenda despite the ongoing controversy involving its leadership. While Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who remains determined to fulfill her role as chair, has been vocal about issues of governance and alleged misconduct within the organization, the trustees who resigned alongside Prince Harry emphasize the gravity of the discord that has emerged. The charity spokesperson highlighted that the main focus remains on evolving the organization’s mission to address broader issues affecting the youth in Southern Africa. As the charity navigates this turbulent phase, it is reshaping its structure and leadership to align with its newly outlined strategic objectives, emphasizing a closer proximity of its senior roles to the programs in Southern Africa. This transformation is seen as an essential move despite the challenges and resignations, aiming to better fulfill its mission in the region amidst the internal conflict. The impact of these changes on the charity’s operations and its ability to execute its programs effectively under the cloud of the current legal proceedings remains to be observed.
Transformation Agenda and Strategic Evolution
The former trustees expressed their deep regret over the situation, emphasizing that their actions were taken with a heavy heart. They highlighted that remaining in their positions had become untenable due to the financial and legal pressures of the ongoing lawsuit initiated by the chair. In their statement, they reiterated that their requests for the chair’s resignation were rooted in a sense of duty to safeguard the charity’s interests. The trustees admitted that stepping down was not a choice they willingly embraced, but a necessary step to ensure the welfare of Sentebale was maintained. Meanwhile, the appointment of new directors suggests a strategic move towards continuity and stability amid the charity’s transformation.
Dr. Chandauka’s Response to Trustee Resignations
A Sentebale spokesperson responded to the developments by clarifying that the Royal Patrons had not formally resigned from their roles. The charity is currently implementing a transformation agenda meant to realign its focus and operation in Southern Africa. Announced in April 2024, this transformation involves evolving the organization from primarily addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS on the youth in Lesotho and Botswana to tackling broader issues of youth health, wealth, and climate resilience in the region. Additionally, plans include shifting senior roles closer to the charity’s core activities in Southern Africa, aligning with Sentebale’s ambitious goals for strategic growth and impact.
Contact with the Charity Commission and Legal Proceedings
In light of these developments, Sentebale faces a critical period of transition as it navigates the aftermath of this organizational upheaval. The unfolding events have spotlighted the complexities and challenges inherent in leadership dynamics within charitable institutions. As the charity moves forward with its transformation agenda, the focus will remain on addressing youth health, wealth, and climate resilience in Southern Africa. Despite the turbulence, the dedication to the charitable mission laid out by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso in honor of their mothers continues to drive the organization. The charity’s future actions and adaptations will determine its resilience and capability to fulfill its vision amidst these profound changes.
