In the wake of Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle, concerns have surfaced regarding his commitment to Sentebale, the charity he co-founded to honor his late mother, Princess Diana.
It appears that his dedication has waned since he moved to the United States, raising eyebrows among supporters and stakeholders in Lesotho.
Chief Khoabane Theko from Lesotho’s Thaba-Bosiu stated that Harry’s diminishing involvement has “killed the spirit” of Sentebale since he tied the knot in 2018 and shifted his base across the Atlantic two years later.
The jaw-dropping claims come at a time when the charity faces mounting challenges.
Launched in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Sentebale aims to support young individuals confronting the harsh realities of HIV and AIDS in Southern Africa.
However, this noble effort has been overshadowed by allegations and internal strife, prompting both founders to step down following recent controversies.
Harry’s last trip to Lesotho was in October 2024, a visit that marked his first return in six years.
Before his marriage, he had made multiple visits to the region, demonstrating a thorough commitment to the charity.
Theko expressed his disappointment at the couple’s absence on their holiday in Africa, believing they should have paid a visit during their time on the continent.
He fondly recalled Harry’s heartfelt words during the charity’s launch, noting how passionately the prince spoke about his mother’s deep connection to Africa.
However, the chief laments that Harry’s current indifference dampens Sentebale’s mission and outreach.
Recently, Harry made headlines by accusing the charity’s chairwoman, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, of spreading “blatant lies” as the UK’s Charity Commission initiated a compliance case regarding the charity’s operations.
This investigation comes amidst ongoing disputes that saw Harry resign as patron, calling the situation “heartbreaking.”
Tensions have boiled over with Dr. Chandauka stating that Harry and Meghan’s brand has become “toxic” and alleging acts of harassment and bullying.
She asserts Harry attempted to oust her from the organization, a claim he firmly denies and insists will be clarified through the investigation.
The discord intensified following allegations that Meghan disrupted a fundraising polo event in April 2024, alongside a Netflix crew.
Footage from the event captured a tense encounter where she seemed to sideline the charity’s chair during a trophy presentation, further complicating the situation.
Harry, who has expressed his sorrow over leaving the charity he holds dear, described the deteriorating relationship with the charity’s trustees as irreparable.
He emphasized the need for clarity and proper governance, looking for a resolution that will ultimately benefit the communities served by Sentebale.
While the Charity Commission’s compliance case aims to investigate potential governance issues, it should be contextualized as part of the broader struggle facing the organization.
The commission will assess previous trustees’ conduct alongside the current administration’s actions.
As these complexities unfold, both Harry and Chandauka appear to welcome the inquiry as a chance to restore faith in Sentebale’s mission.
They hope it will reassure the public that the organization remains committed to its core purpose despite internal chaos.
In the background of all this turmoil, the true focus remains the charity’s beneficiaries.
As Harry expressed, the real victims of this discord are the very children Sentebale was created to support, and finding a path forward has never been more critical.