Here’s a rewritten version of the article with a fresh tone while maintaining the key details:
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso Resign from Sentebale Amid Leadership Crisis
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Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has officially stepped down from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honor of their late mothers. The decision comes in the wake of internal turmoil and financial challenges within the organization.
On March 26, Prince Harry, 40, and Prince Seeiso, 58, announced their resignation as patrons of Sentebale, joining the board of trustees in their departure. The move followed a dispute with board chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who faced a request to step down but instead took legal action against the charity. The U.K.’s Charity Commission has since launched an investigation into the matter.
Leadership Dispute and Financial Concerns
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that tensions escalated when Chandauka, who was appointed in July 2023, clashed with trustees over financial management and strategic decisions. Under her leadership, Sentebale’s financial stability reportedly deteriorated, with a major fundraising deal collapsing in December 2024. Additionally, the 2024 Sentebale Polo Cup—one of the charity’s key fundraising events—was canceled due to conflicts with a major donor.
Concerns also arose over Chandauka’s decision to hire external consultants for over $600,000 without board approval. By February 2025, the trustees formally requested her resignation, but she allegedly refused. When they moved to remove her through a board vote, she responded with a legal challenge, further straining the charity’s resources.
A source close to the matter stated, “The trustees felt they couldn’t, in good conscience, continue placing legal and financial strain on Sentebale, so they made the difficult choice to step down.”
Chandauka Responds
In response to the controversy, a representative for Chandauka dismissed the allegations, calling them “untrue and defamatory.” The statement emphasized that decisions were made collectively by the board and accused Sentebale’s leadership of misconduct, mismanagement, and harassment. Chandauka claimed her legal action was aimed at addressing deeper structural issues within the organization.
Harry and Seeiso’s Heartfelt Farewell
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso released a joint statement expressing their heartbreak over the situation:
“Nearly twenty years ago, we founded Sentebale in honor of our mothers. ‘Sentebale’ means ‘forget-me-not’ in Sesotho, and that has always been our promise to the young people we serve. Today is no different.”
They continued, “It is devastating that the relationship between the trustees and the chair broke down beyond repair. The trustees acted in the best interest of the charity, and we support their difficult decision. What’s transpired is unthinkable, and we are in shock that we have to take this step.”
Despite their resignation as patrons, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso reaffirmed their commitment to the charity’s mission, vowing to ensure its future remains in responsible hands.
This version presents the key points clearly and concisely while maintaining the emotional weight of the situation. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!