One of the trustees who resigned from Prince Harry’s charity due to internal conflicts stated that he was “astonished” by the allegations of racism, sexism, and bullying made by the chairman.
The
Duke of Sussex
, who has also stepped down, established Sentebale in memory of his deceased mother.
Princess Diana
In 2006, alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, to assist young individuals and children in Southern Africa, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS.
HIV
and Aids.
But several trustees including Dr Kelello Lerotholi left this week in an extraordinary dispute with board chair Dr Sophie Chandauka, having requested her resignation.
Dr Chandauka then hit back, alleging there was ‘poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir’.
Initial reports in The Times suggested the dispute arose around a decision to focus fundraising in Africa, but a source close to Harry has since told MailOnline that the row was actually due to a loss in trust and confidence in Dr Chandauka.
After the board of trustees officially asked for Dr. Chandauka’s resignation, she refused. Then, when they attempted to push this decision through via a vote, she initiated a legal challenge at the High Court to stop their meeting from taking place.
Although there isn’t an official documentation of the proceedings at the Royal Courts of Justice, it’s said that the court didn’t issue an injunction. Since the meeting had been called off, the judge ruled that additional hearings or appearances before the court were unnecessary.
Currently, Dr Lerotholi maintains that he did not witness any of the accusations presented by Dr Chandauka, stating
Sky News
I must admit, in all the meetings I attended, there wasn’t even the slightest indication of anything like that.
The overall demeanor and behavior of the board members have consistently shown mutual respect, consideration for each other’s viewpoints and contributions, and courteous communication among them. Therefore, everything that happened was quite shocking to me.
After reports suggested that the choice was connected to raising funds, he commented, “It seems like matters reached a critical point towards the close of last year when our performance wasn’t up to what it had been previously, and the outlook for the future appeared less promising than before.”
‘Similarly, as expected within any organization, we needed to essentially examine ourselves to understand our response and also analyze how the circumstances developed.’
Dr Lerotholi also mentioned that the situation was ‘extremely disappointing and truly distressing,’ however, he added that Harry and Seeiso were ‘not going to abandon the children.’
It arrives barely a year since Dr Chandauka took part in an event.
An uncomfortable situation arose involving Prince Harry’s spouse, Meghan Markle, at a charity polo match supporting Sentebale.
.
Additionally, Sentebale has posted a statement on their website from Executive Director Carmel Gaillard, expressing ‘conflict’ and stating that they are ‘upset’ about Prince Harry’s exit.
Mr Gaillard stated, “During critical transitions within an organization’s path, conflicts may emerge. We address these issues transparently, embracing introspection alongside progressive advancement.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our departing Trustees for their dedicated service, valuable time, and enthusiastic commitment. At the same time, we feel disheartened knowing that our Co-Founding Patrons have decided to relinquish their roles as Patrons indefinitely.
Their faith in our mission and their initial guidance were instrumental in laying the groundwork of our efforts, and for this, we are grateful. They will forever be recognized as the Founders of Sentebale.
He emphasized that ‘effective leadership is crucial for the robustness and reliability of any organization,’ and stated that the charity is ‘dedicated to maintaining the utmost standards.’
On Tuesday, in a collective announcement, Harry and Prince Seeiso supported the outgoing trustees and mentioned they have stepped down as patrons for now.
In reply, Dr Chandauka seemed to rebuke the duke for approaching the media, further stating: “Some individuals in this world act as if they are beyond the law and abuse others.”
In a statement she remarked: “Every action I take at Sentebale aims for the organization’s integrity, its purpose, as well as the wellbeing of the youths we support.”
My deeds are shaped by the belief in justice and fair treatment for everyone, irrespective of their societal standing or economic situation.
In this world, some individuals act as if they are beyond the reach of the law and mistreat others. When confronted, these same people often portray themselves as victims and utilize the very media they criticize to damage those courageous enough to question their behavior.
She stated that she had alerted the Charity Commission about the trustees and that the High Court had granted an urgent restraining order to stop her from being removed.
Nevertheless, MailOnline has learned that no injunction was ever issued.
Dr Chandauka added: “Underneath all the victim narrative and stories circulated through media lies the account of a woman who courageously came forward with allegations regarding inadequate governance, ineffective leadership, misuse of authority, intimidation, harassment, sexism, and misandry against Black women—and the subsequent attempts to conceal these matters.”
‘I could be anyone. I just happen to be an educated woman who understands that the law will guide and protect me.
‘I will say nothing further on this matter at this time.’
In their statement announcing their choice to step down as patrons, the Duke and Prince Seeiso stated: “Regrettably, we have tendered our resignation from our positions as patrons of the organization indefinitely, showing our backing and unity with the board of trustees who also found themselves compelled to do so.”
It is heartbreaking that the connection between the charity’s trustees and the board chairman irreparably fractured, leading to an unmanageable circumstance.
During his gap year at the age of 19 in 2004, Harry dedicated two months to the Kingdom of Lesotho. This experience motivated him to start a charitable organization two years afterward. The initiative has since expanded its efforts into Botswana as well.
He encountered AIDS orphans up close, interacted with other deeply affected youths, and went to see herdboys enduring tough conditions tending livestock in isolated mountainous regions.
The duke went to visit Lesotho along with the prince just last October. During his trip, he engaged in a conversation with a gathering of youngsters seated around a campfire. They discussed the significant impact that Sentebale has been having.
He was similarly captured in images alongside Dr Chandauka at a charitable polo event in Florida in April 2024, aimed at supporting Sentebale.
Former trustees Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Dr Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West also released a statement saying their decision to resign was ‘devastating’ but was the ‘result of our loss in trust and confidence in the chair of the board’.
The Duke and Prince Seeiso, who reportedly stepped down alongside the trustees, mentioned they will be ‘expressing their worries’ to the Charity Commission.
They included: “The trustees acted in the best interests of the charity by requesting the chairman to resign, all while considering the welfare of the employees. Conversely, she took legal action against the charity to stay in her voluntary role, thereby highlighting the deteriorated trust between them.”
We express our gratitude to all the trustees for their service throughout the years and we are genuinely distressed that they have felt compelled to proceed with this action.
What has happened is unimaginable. We are stunned at having to take this step, yet we remain committed to fulfilling our duties towards Sentebale’s recipients. Therefore, we will convey all our worries to the Charity Commission regarding how this situation arose.
‘Even though we might not be supporters anymore, we will forever remain its creators, and we shall never overlook what this charity can accomplish when placed under proper stewardship.’
Sentebale mentioned that they have not received resignation letters from both royal patrons and stated that the ‘reshaping of the board is an integral part of Sentebale’s bold transformation plan.’
Yesterday evening, Sentebale posted on social media saying, “The amazing work of the teams working directly with us—our employees and local collaborators—is what truly brings our cause to fruition each day as they support the children and youth we care for.”
‘Trusted trustees play crucial roles in governance and oversight, and having esteemed patrons, particularly founders, is indeed an honor. However, it’s the individuals working directly in the field who drive progress forward, regardless of circumstances.’
‘We remain steadfast in our dedication to empowering young people in southern Africa, enhancing their health, strengthening their economic prospects, and building their capacity to withstand climate impacts.’
‘The efforts go on as they warrant nothing but the best.’
Harry’s position at Sentebale was among the limited few private patronages he kept following the removal of his royal patronages and honorary military roles by the late Queen in 2021. This decision came after it was finalized that he would permanently step away from the active monarchy, an arrangement cemented a year post the so-called ‘Megxit.’
The Charity Commission said it is ‘aware of concerns about the governance’ of Sentebale.
‘We are assessing the issues to determine the appropriate regulatory steps,’ the commission said in a statement.
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