Prince Harry has been cleared of accusations of bullying following a months-long investigation into a public internal dispute at Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The UK’s Charity Commission, which conducted the inquiry, concluded there was no evidence of “widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir,” at the organization.
The dispute erupted earlier this year when Sentebale chairperson Sophie Chandauka publicly accused the Duke of Sussex of bullying amid a tense boardroom fallout. In March, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso announced their resignation from the charity, following the departure of several trustees who had reportedly urged Chandauka to step down.
While the Commission exonerated Prince Harry of bullying, it criticised all involved for allowing the internal conflict to play out publicly, stating that the “damaging internal dispute” had “severely impacted the charity’s reputation.” It also cited mismanagement in the charity’s administration, pointing to a lack of clarity in leadership roles and decision-making.
In response, Sentebale issued a statement welcoming the Commission’s findings and pledged to implement recommended governance improvements. The Commission has provided the charity with a plan to address its weaknesses in leadership and operations.
Chandauka, who continues to serve as chair, said she “appreciated” the Commission’s conclusions, adding they validated the concerns she raised privately earlier this year. However, she did not directly address the dismissal of the bullying allegations.
Prince Harry, in an earlier statement, described the situation as “heartbreaking,” lamenting the toll that “blatant lies” had taken on those devoted to Sentebale’s mission. The prince faced criticism from Chandauka over his decision to bring a Netflix crew to a fundraising polo event last year and the surprise attendance of his wife, Meghan Markle.
Despite stepping away from royal duties in 2020, Sentebale remained one of Harry’s key philanthropic engagements. Named after the Sesotho word meaning “forget me not,” the charity was founded in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana, to support children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.
The Charity Commission has urged all parties to refocus on the charity’s mission and the communities it serves.
