African Charity Sues Prince Harry for Defamation.

African Charity Sues Prince Harry for Defamation

In a surprising turn of events, Sentebale, an African charity co-founded by Prince Harry, has filed a defamation lawsuit against him. This legal action follows his resignation as a patron last year. Sentebale, established to honor the late Princess Diana, focuses on supporting young people living with HIV in Botswana and Lesotho.

Legal Proceedings.

The lawsuit was filed last month in London’s High Court, as revealed by court records reviewed recently. According to online filings, both Prince Harry and Mark Dyer, a trustee at the charity, are facing accusations of either libel or slander. However, specific documents related to the charges have not been made available to the public.

Internal Disagreements.

The charity, co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, experienced internal disagreements over a new fundraising strategy in 2023. These tensions led to both founders stepping down as patrons in March 2025. At that time, they cited an irreparable relationship between the board and its chair, Sophie Chandauka.

Chandauka later accused Prince Harry of orchestrating a campaign of bullying and harassment, allegedly aimed at forcing her out of her position.

Investigation by the Charity Commission.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales conducted an investigation into the matter. Their findings criticized both parties for allowing the dispute to unfold publicly, thus harming the charity's reputation. However, the commission found no substantial evidence of widespread bullying or misogyny within Sentebale.

David Holdsworth, CEO of the commission, expressed concern in a statement released in August 2025, emphasizing the negative impact of the public dispute on Sentebale’s reputation and its ability to serve its beneficiaries effectively.

Reactions.

The report by the Charity Commission received mixed reactions. Prince Harry’s spokesman criticized the commission's findings, while Sophie Chandauka welcomed the report. As the legal proceedings continue, the case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the complexities and challenges within charitable organizations.