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Prince Harry’s Sentebale Role Reportedly Shifted After Marriage to Meghan Markle
Allegations have surfaced suggesting that Prince Harry’s involvement with the Sentebale charity experienced a transformation following his marriage to Meghan Markle. According to Principal Chief Khoabane Theko, brother of Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, the Duke of Sussex‘s commitment to the organization may have waned in recent years. Theko, as reported by The Telegraph on Wednesday, April 16, implied that Harry, 40, could have been a more frequent presence in Lesotho.
Claims of Diminished Interest in Sentebale
Theko recounted the early days of Sentebale, recalling Prince Harry’s passionate dedication. “When [Sentebale] was established, I vividly remember his poignant words, emphasizing ‘my mother, [Princess Diana], this place, her deep passion for Africa’ and all that it represented,” Theko stated. He further elaborated, “He remains a beloved figure due to his openness, yet this apparent reduction in engagement has significantly impacted the vitality of Sentebale’s mission. I have not encountered [Harry] since his wedding.”
Infrequent Visits to Lesotho
Prince Harry’s recent trip to Lesotho in 2024 marked his first visit in six years. Prior to this, he had journeyed to the nation on four occasions between 2010 and 2015. Theko voiced his “concern” upon learning of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s, 43, African excursion in September 2019, lamenting their omission of Lesotho from their itinerary.
A former trustee disclosed that Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho are reportedly “torn apart” regarding their decision to leave Sentebale, the charity they jointly founded in 2006. Dr Kelello Lerotholi, a former trustee who also resigned, conveyed his worries to The Times of London on Thursday, March 27.
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Us Weekly has sought comment from Prince Harry’s representative.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Family Life
Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in 2018. They have since expanded their family, welcoming their son Archie, 5, and daughter Lilibet, 3.
Sentebale’s Founding and Mission
The Sentebale charity was established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso with the aim of providing aid to vulnerable children in Lesotho grappling with poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The charity’s name holds a poignant connection to Princess Diana, deriving from the Sesotho word for “forget-me-not,” her favorite flower. Princess Diana tragically passed away in 1997 at the age of 36.
Royal Exit from Sentebale Amid Tumult
In March, both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso declared their resignation from the charity. This action was taken in solidarity with several trustees who had previously announced their departures amidst escalating tensions with Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chair of the board.
Joint Statement on “Devastating” Situation
“It is truly devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board deteriorated beyond repair, resulting in an unsustainable situation,” Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso stated in a joint communication released to various news outlets.
Allegations of Legal Action
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso further indicated that Chandauka had initiated legal proceedings against the charity following a request for her resignation.
Concerns Raised with Charity Commission
“We are profoundly shocked that we are compelled to take this course of action, but our enduring commitment remains with Sentebale’s beneficiaries. Consequently, we will be formally reporting our comprehensive concerns to the [U.K.] Charity Commission to investigate the circumstances that led to this juncture,” the statement further conveyed.
Chandauka’s Rebuttal and Counter-Accusations
Dr. Chandauka, in her response to Us, refuted these claims, citing “poor governance, ineffective executive management, and abuse of authority” within the charity.
Defense Against Accusations
Chandauka elaborated, asserting, “There exist individuals who conduct themselves as if they are immune to accountability, mistreating others, only to then portray themselves as victims and manipulate the very media they criticize to inflict harm upon those who bravely challenge their behavior. Discerning readers should ponder: why would the Chair of the Board report her own Trustees to the Charity Commission? And why would the High Court of England and Wales permit her application to be heard if the case lacked substance?”
Whistleblower Narrative
She concluded, “Ultimately, concealed beneath the fabricated victim narrative disseminated to the press, lies the reality of a woman who dared to expose instances of inadequate governance, weak executive oversight, misuse of power, intimidation, harassment, misogyny, and specifically misogynoir — and the subsequent concealment that ensued.”