In a stunning development, Prince Harry has officially stepped down as a patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006, which has been dedicated to assisting children in southern Africa affected by HIV/AIDS. Expressing his surprise and dismay, the Duke of Sussex revealed that his decision was linked to the resignation of five trustees amidst a significant internal dispute.

Sentebale’s name, meaning “forget-me-not” in the local language of Lesotho, holds a special significance for Prince Harry, who established the charity in memory of his beloved mother, Princess Diana. In a joint statement with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Harry described the situation as "devastating" and expressed deep concern over the breakdown of trust between the charity’s board and its chairwoman, Sophie Chandauka. They stated, “We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale's beneficiaries.”

The crux of the conflict seems to revolve around a proposed change in Sentebale's mission, shifting from exclusively supporting children living with HIV/AIDS to tackling broader issues related to youth health and climate resilience in southern Africa. This shift, announced in April 2024, appears to have prompted significant discord within the organization.

Chandauka has been vocal in defending her position as chair, alleging a range of serious governance issues and claiming that her efforts to address these problems led to her being sidelined by colleagues. Her comments expose a troubling narrative of power struggles and accusations of bullying and discrimination within the board.

The U.K. Charity Commission is currently evaluating concerns regarding Sentebale's governance and may take regulatory steps depending on their findings. This scrutiny comes at a time when the charity has been integral to Prince Harry’s public persona, playing a crucial role in reshaping his image from that of a rebellious royal to a committed philanthropist.

Following his departure from Sentebale, Prince Harry's involvement in charitable organizations has decreased significantly; he is now a patron of only a handful of charities compared to 16 prior to stepping back from royal duties in 2021. The loss of Sentebale from his repertoire marks a monumental shift in his philanthropic journey.

As the fallout from this internal strife continues, many are left wondering the implications for both the charity and its beneficiaries. Will Sentebale be able to recover from this turmoil, or is this the beginning of the end for a beloved charity that has nurtured countless young lives? Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.