Britain’s charity regulator has cleared Prince Harry of bullying allegations following a public feud within the African charity he co-founded.
Sentebale, a charity supporting youth affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana, became the centre of a bitter dispute in early 2024.
The controversy erupted when chairperson Sophie Chandauka publicly accused Harry of bullying, after he and co-founder Prince Seeiso resigned.
Their resignation came amid boardroom turmoil, sparked by a failed demand for Chandauka to step down, leading all trustees to quit.
The UK Charity Commission launched an investigation and on Wednesday said it found no evidence of bullying, harassment, misogyny, or misogynoir.
However, it criticised all parties for allowing the dispute to unfold in public, which it said damaged the charity’s reputation.
The Commission also found administrative mismanagement due to poor clarity in delegated roles and issued recommendations to improve governance.
Chandauka, who joined as chair in 2023, accused Harry of intimidation, citing his decision to involve a Netflix crew at a polo fundraiser.
She also criticised an unannounced appearance by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the same charity event last year.
Prince Harry responded in April, calling the situation “heartbreaking” and condemning “blatant lies” that hurt those committed to the cause.
The charity was founded in 2006 by Harry and Prince Seeiso in honour of Princess Diana, aiming to support vulnerable children in Southern Africa.
The name “Sentebale” means “forget me not” in Sesotho and was chosen as a tribute to Diana, who died in 1997.
David Holdsworth, head of the Charity Commission, urged all involved to refocus on the charity’s mission and implement the recommended changes.
Despite stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry had maintained support for Sentebale as one of his few remaining patronages.
