Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho are reportedly “torn apart” by their choice to step down from Sentebale, the charity they co-founded in 2006. A former trustee revealed the princes’ emotional state following their decision to leave the organization.
Former Trustee Expresses Concern
Dr. Kelello Lerotholi, a former trustee of the charity who also resigned, expressed concern for the “emotional well-being of both princes.” He spoke to The Times of London on Thursday, March 27, regarding the issue.
Princes’ Commitment to Sentebale’s Mission
Lerotholi elaborated, “Given their dedication to the welfare of children, they are deeply conflicted by the perception that they might be seen as abandoning them, despite knowing they are not.”
Lerotholi’s Close Ties to Royals
A cousin of Prince Seeiso and a close confidant of Prince Harry, as reported by The Times, Lerotholi considers the British royal “family.”
Trustees Resign Amidst Boardroom Conflict
Prince Harry, Prince Seeiso, along with several trustees, announced their departure from Sentebale on Tuesday, March 25, citing irreconcilable differences with the chair of the board, Dr. Sophie Chandauka.
Joint Statement on “Devastating” Situation
In a joint statement released to various media outlets, Harry and Seeiso described the breakdown in relations between the trustees and the board chair as “devastating,” leading to an “untenable situation.”
Allegations of Legal Action and Charity Commission Involvement
The princes further alleged that Chandauka initiated legal action against the charity after being requested to vacate her voluntary role.
Expressing their astonishment at the situation, Harry and Seeiso stated their ongoing commitment to Sentebale’s beneficiaries. They announced plans to escalate their concerns to the U.K. Charity Commission for further investigation into the matter.
Chair Responds with Counter-Accusations
In response, Dr. Sophie Chandauka issued a statement to Us Weekly on Wednesday, March 26, wherein she levied accusations against the charity, citing “poor governance, weak executive management, and abuse of power.”
Chandauka Alleges “Abuse of Power” and “Cover-up”
Chandauka stated, “There are individuals who act as if they are above accountability, mistreating others, and subsequently portraying themselves as victims while manipulating the press to damage those who bravely challenge their actions.”
Questioning Charity Commission Involvement
She further posed questions, “Why would the Chair of the Board report her own Trustees to the Charity Commission? Why would the High Court of England and Wales agree to hear her case if it lacked substance?”
Chandauka concluded, “The reality obscured by the victim narrative is that this is the account of a woman who dared to expose issues of poor governance, inept management, abuse of authority, intimidation, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir, and the subsequent cover-up.”
Sentebale’s Mission and Princess Diana’s Influence
Sentebale was established by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso with the aim of aiding vulnerable children in Lesotho facing challenges such as poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Honoring Princess Diana’s Legacy
Prince Harry has often cited his mother, Princess Diana, as an inspiration for his philanthropic work. Diana was renowned for her efforts in destigmatizing HIV/AIDS. Sentebale, meaning “forget-me-not,” is itself a tribute to Diana’s favorite flower.
Lerotholi on Sentebale’s Name and Legacy
Lerotholi commented on the significance of the charity’s name, telling The Times, “Considering the profound personal investment of the princes and their mothers, the name Sentebale, translating literally to ‘forget-me-not,’ clearly signifies the entity as a memorial to both their mothers, who were, in my view, global mothers.”
He further questioned the future of the charity’s legacy without the princes’ involvement, asking, “If someone else takes over the entity without them, what will that entity represent in remembrance?”