Prince Harry’s departure from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006. He is accompanied by a trio of trustees who similarly resigned in the midst of the feud with the board’s chair. The organization was started by the Duke of Sussex while he was in Lesotho. He has been motivated by his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, to assist young people in Lesotho and Botswana who are affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS. The charity's name, "Sentebale," which translates to "Forget me not" in Setswana, reflects its dedication to remembering those in need.
The resignation of Prince Harry and the trustees follows a public falling-out over campaigning strategies, especially with regard to raising funds. The charity's trustees, Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West, announced their collective decision to resign as board members. Their departure followed a very public fight with Dr. Sophie Chandauka. She became chair of the board in 2023. This disagreement became manifest in the decision to focus their raising of funds specifically on Africa.
It was on that first trip to Lesotho—with the understanding of how the issues young people were facing with HIV, with poverty—that went into Prince Harry’s mind. Back in England, this experience motivated him to form Sentebale. Since this experience, the charity has kept its focus on its mission to serve these hidden, vulnerable communities in Lesotho and Botswana. While the previous trustees have moved on, they remain passionate supporters of Sentebale. They are passionate about ensuring that the organization lives up to its mission to its constituents.
The resigning trustees have emphasized their concerns by planning to inform the Charity Commission about the issues leading to their resignation. Their goal is to honor the charity’s original dedication to its LGBT cause and be transparent about the disagreement and ensuing resignations.