UK Charity Commission Clears Prince Harry of Bullying Allegations at Sentebale

The UK’s Charity Commission has cleared Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, of bullying allegations linked to a public dispute at Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006 to support children living with HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.

The Commission’s findings, released on Wednesday, followed a months-long investigation into internal turmoil at Sentebale that unfolded in March and April 2025. The dispute drew public attention after the charity’s chairperson, Sophie Chandauka, accused Prince Harry of “bullying” amid a fallout with the board of trustees.

The tension escalated when both Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho resigned from the charity following the mass resignation of trustees. Their exit came after a failed demand for Chandauka to step down from her voluntary leadership role, which she had held since 2023.

In its official conclusion, the Charity Commission found no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny, or misogynoir within the organisation. However, it criticised all parties involved for allowing the conflict to play out publicly, stating that the “damaging internal dispute severely impacted the charity’s reputation.”

The Commission noted “a lack of clarity in delegations of authority,” which it said contributed to mismanagement in the administration of the charity. A governance improvement plan has since been issued to address these structural weaknesses.

Prince Harry, in an April statement, expressed deep dismay over the controversy, saying the events had been “heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal.”

Chandauka had previously claimed, in an interview with Sky News, that Harry attempted to force her out through bullying and harassment. She cited, among other grievances, his decision to allow a Netflix film crew access to a Sentebale polo fundraiser and an unannounced appearance by his wife, Meghan, at the same event.

These developments marked another chapter of public scrutiny for Prince Harry, who has retained only a few private patronages—including Sentebale—since his high-profile departure from royal duties in 2020. He and Meghan now reside in North America with their children.

Charity Commission Chief Executive David Holdsworth urged all stakeholders to refocus on Sentebale’s mission, saying, “Moving forward, I urge all parties not to lose sight of those who rely on the charity’s services. Governance improvements must now follow.”

The name Sentebale, meaning “forget me not” in Sesotho, was chosen by Prince Harry in honour of his late mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in 1997. The phrase also symbolises farewell in the local language.

(Source: AFP)