Prince Harry has officially stepped down as patron of Sentebale, a UK-based charity he co-founded to support young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. The move follows what he described as a ‘devastating’ dispute between the organisation’s trustees and the chair of the board.
The decision was confirmed in a statement carried by Reuters, in which the Duke of Sussex expressed his regret over leaving the charity due to internal issues within its leadership.
Prince Harry launched Sentebale in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The initiative was created in honour of his late mother, Princess Diana, who was known for her advocacy around HIV/AIDS awareness. ‘Sentebale’, which means ‘forget-me-not’ in Sesotho, reflects both a tribute to Diana’s memory and a pledge to support marginalised communities affected by the epidemic.
Internal conflict forces exit
Although full details have not been disclosed, the rupture between the board of trustees and its chair appears to have made Harry’s continued involvement untenable. The prince called the situation ‘devastating’, making it clear that the dispute had reached a point where stepping away was the only viable option.
According to Reuters, this development marks a significant departure for Prince Harry, who has long been associated with the cause through Sentebale’s high-profile projects across southern Africa.
Legacy and future of Sentebale
For nearly two decades, Sentebale has delivered critical services to vulnerable children and adolescents, particularly those affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. The charity’s efforts have included health outreach and psychosocial support programmes aimed at reducing stigma and improving access to care.
Harry’s departure signals a shift in the charity’s leadership dynamic, raising questions about how it will adapt without one of its founding patrons. However, the organisation has not indicated any changes to its mission or current projects.
While no further statements have been issued by the charity at this time, observers note that Sentebale’s work remains vital to the region’s public health and youth development efforts.
Prince Harry’s exit underlines the challenges that even long-standing philanthropic partnerships can face when internal governance breaks down. (Africabriefing)
