Britain’s top charity watchdog announced on April 3 that it launched an investigation into Sentebale, an African charity established by Prince Harry in memory of his mother, Princess Diana.
The probe is centred on whether Sentebale’s “current and former trustees, including its chair, have fulfilled their duties and responsibilities,” the Charity Commission said in a statement, adding that it will “gather evidence and assess the compliance of the charity and trustees past and present with their legal duties.”
The announcement comes a week after the charity’s board of trustees resigned in protest of chairperson Dr Sophie Chandauka, who has embarked on a legal battle in a bid to prevent her ouster.
The Duke of Sussex and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, then followed suit, declaring the relationship between the board and its chair beyond repair.
Chandauka had sued Sentebale “to remain in this voluntary position, further underscoring the broken relationship,” they said.
The pair of princes co-founded Sentebale, which means “forget me not” in the language of Lesotho, nearly 20 years ago in honor of their mothers, Princess Diana and Lesotho’s Queen Mamohato.
It was established to provide “comprehensive support for children and young people, including those living with HIV/AIDS, covering healthcare, critical life skills, education advocacy, vocational training and climate resilience in Lesotho and Botswana,” according to the charity’s website.
In a statement on April 3, Harry said he welcomed the investigation, adding that he hoped it would “unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign.”
The prince also called the recent developments “heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal.” He added that “no one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself.”
Chanduaka has, in turn, accused Prince Harry of “poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir – and the cover-up that ensued.”
She said he also announced his resignation “without informing me or my country directors, or my executive director.”
The Charity Commission said on April 3 that it was in “direct contact” with parties on both sides to gather evidence in its compliance case. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
