Prince Harry has responded to the findings of a Charity Commission investigation into Sentebale, the organisation he co-founded nearly two decades ago to support young people in southern Africa affected by HIV and AIDS. The royal, who stepped down from his role at the charity in March 2025 following an internal row, said he was “unsurprised” by the report’s conclusion that he had done nothing wrong.
The Charity Commission’s investigation found no evidence to support allegations of “widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny or misogynoir” at Sentebale. It also confirmed that neither Prince Harry nor the charity’s chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, had overstepped their roles. However, it criticised the charity’s governance, pointing to the public fallout between the chair and trustees as damaging to Sentebale’s reputation and to broader public trust in charities.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Prince Harry welcomed the ruling, but criticised the report for not addressing the full impact of the situation. He said:
“Unsurprisingly, the Commission makes no findings of wrongdoing in relation to Sentebale’s Co-Founder and former Patron, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex… Yet, the consequences of the current Chair’s actions will not be borne by her — but by the children who rely on Sentebale’s support.”
Former trustees of the charity echoed Harry’s concerns, expressing frustration that key issues they raised about the chair’s leadership were not fully investigated.
“We remain gravely concerned for the future of the charity and the wellbeing of the communities we served for 19 years,” they said.
Dr. Chandauka, who was appointed chair in 2024 and resisted calls to resign earlier this year, issued her own statement, thanking the Commission for recognising the governance issues she flagged in early 2025. She described the experience as intense, saying:
“We are emerging not just grateful to have survived, but stronger: more focused, better governed, boldly ambitious and with our dignity intact.”
Despite the internal turbulence, Dr. Chandauka reaffirmed her commitment to Sentebale’s mission, saying the charity remains inspired by the vision of its founders, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who created the organisation in memory of their mothers, Princess Diana and Queen ‘Mamohato.
Sentebale’s current board has accepted the findings and committed to implementing the Commission’s recommendations, which include improving complaints procedures, reviewing dispute resolution policies, and setting clearer lines of authority. The Commission will continue to monitor the charity’s progress as it works to rebuild trust and stability.
What started as a mission of compassion and care is now weathering one of its biggest tests — but those involved insist Sentebale’s heart still beats for the children and communities it was created to serve.
