Prince Harry Breaks Silence After Sentebale Scandal Findings Go Public

Prince Harry has spoken publicly for the first time since the Charity Commission released its findings into Sentebale, the charity he co-founded with Prince Seeiso in 2006. While the regulator found no evidence of systemic misconduct, it delivered a stinging rebuke over 'poor internal governance' and a breakdown in leadership that damaged public confidence.

The investigation followed Harry's dramatic resignation in March 2025, alongside Prince Seeiso and several trustees, after allegations of bullying and toxic behaviour were made by the charity's chair, Sophie Chandauka.

What Sparked The Scandal

The row erupted when Chandauka, a British-Zimbabwean business leader, filed formal complaints accusing senior figures, including Princes Harry and Seeiso, of 'bullying, harassment, misogyny and misogynoir'. She alleged that the organisation was plagued by poor management and an abuse of power.

Her claims prompted the Charity Commission for England and Wales to open a formal compliance case. In the fallout, five trustees resigned in solidarity with Harry, citing a 'complete breakdown of trust' with Chandauka and saying they could no longer operate effectively within the board's structure.

What The Review Found

In its August 2025 report, the Charity Commission concluded there was no evidence of systemic wrongdoing, including bullying or harassment. However, it criticised the charity's leadership for failing to resolve disputes internally before they escalated, describing this as a significant governance failure.

The regulator confirmed that both Chandauka and Prince Harry acted within their respective roles and that there were no breaches of charity law. Nonetheless, it said internal dysfunction had weakened the charity's reputation and distracted from its mission.

Timeline Of Events

The resignations occurred in March 2025, with Prince Harry, Prince Seeiso and five trustees stepping down. The Charity Commission launched its compliance review shortly after, making its findings public five months later.

Where It Happened

Although Sentebale operates primarily in Lesotho and Botswana, the governance dispute centred on its London-based operations and boardroom. The charity's work, which focuses on supporting children and young people affected by HIV, was reportedly disrupted during the conflict.

Leaks to the media intensified public interest and added pressure on the regulator to deliver its findings quickly.

Key Figures Involved

Founded after a royal visit to Lesotho, Sentebale has long been associated with Prince Harry's philanthropic work. Sophie Chandauka, a respected businesswoman and diversity advocate, assumed the role of chair in recent years. The dispute placed her and Harry at the centre of a very public power struggle.

Five other trustees resigned during the crisis. Prince Seeiso has remained silent since the release of the report.

Prince Harry's Response

Harry welcomed the Commission's conclusions, describing them as 'unsurprising'. Through his spokesperson, he called it 'heartbreaking' that the children served by Sentebale had become 'casualties of the boardroom drama'.

He condemned the public leaks and internal complaints as 'blatant lies' and criticised the dispute for diverting attention from the charity's core mission. He stopped short of confirming whether he would return to Sentebale in the future.

What Happens Next

Chandauka, who remains in post, has pledged to accept the Commission's recommendations, including implementing formal grievance procedures and reviewing trustee conduct standards.

While the charity has avoided legal sanctions, it now faces the challenge of restoring trust with donors, partners and the public. Whether Prince Harry will permanently distance himself from the organisation he helped establish remains uncertain.