Prince Harry's charity Sentebale is facing a severe internal crisis as trustees have resigned en masse during a power struggle with chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka.
The Duke of Sussex and his co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho sided with the departing trustees who had unsuccessfully attempted to unseat Dr Chandauka.
Insiders now warn the charity could implode without Harry's fundraising influence.
Dr Chandauka, a Zimbabwean-born lawyer, was appointed chair of Sentebale in 2023.
Despite the mass exodus of trustees, she has shown no signs of stepping back from the brink.
The situation has left Prince Harry "truly heartbroken" according to sources familiar with the charity's internal workings.
An insider told the Mail: "I don't know what she's thinking. She puts out this rather mad statement attacking the whole cause. It seems utterly nuts."
The source questioned the logic behind potentially losing the princes' involvement: "Why would you want a charity created by Harry and Prince Seeiso, after their lost mothers, which obviously and quite rightly pulls on the heart-strings, to lose them?"
"They are at the centre of the cause. It doesn't make any sense," the insider continued.
The Duke of Sussex dramatically quit as patron on Tuesday night amid the ongoing boardroom tensions.
This development comes 19 years after Harry founded the organisation.
Following Harry's departure, Sentebale issued its first social media statement on Wednesday.
In a message entitled 'Led by the Mission', the charity appeared to downplay the importance of Harry's role.
"It's the incredible teams on the ground—our staff and local partners—who bring our mission to life every day, walking alongside the children and young people we serve," the charity wrote.
The statement continued: "While trustees are key for governance and regulation, and patrons - especially founders - are an honour to have, it's the people in the field who are advancing the work, no matter what."
Sentebale emphasised its commitment to supporting youth in Southern Africa "remains as strong as ever".
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"The work continues because they deserve nothing less," the charity added.
Prince Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honour of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
As recently as October, Harry visited Lesotho and spoke about the "massive difference" Sentebale was making.
The name "Sentebale" means "forget me not" in Sesotho, the language of Lesotho, reflecting the princes' commitment to remembering vulnerable children.
Find Out More...
The Duke of Sussex and his co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho sided with the departing trustees who had unsuccessfully attempted to unseat Dr Chandauka.
Insiders now warn the charity could implode without Harry's fundraising influence.
Dr Chandauka, a Zimbabwean-born lawyer, was appointed chair of Sentebale in 2023.
Despite the mass exodus of trustees, she has shown no signs of stepping back from the brink.
The situation has left Prince Harry "truly heartbroken" according to sources familiar with the charity's internal workings.
An insider told the Mail: "I don't know what she's thinking. She puts out this rather mad statement attacking the whole cause. It seems utterly nuts."
The source questioned the logic behind potentially losing the princes' involvement: "Why would you want a charity created by Harry and Prince Seeiso, after their lost mothers, which obviously and quite rightly pulls on the heart-strings, to lose them?"
"They are at the centre of the cause. It doesn't make any sense," the insider continued.
The Duke of Sussex dramatically quit as patron on Tuesday night amid the ongoing boardroom tensions.
This development comes 19 years after Harry founded the organisation.
Following Harry's departure, Sentebale issued its first social media statement on Wednesday.
In a message entitled 'Led by the Mission', the charity appeared to downplay the importance of Harry's role.
"It's the incredible teams on the ground—our staff and local partners—who bring our mission to life every day, walking alongside the children and young people we serve," the charity wrote.
The statement continued: "While trustees are key for governance and regulation, and patrons - especially founders - are an honour to have, it's the people in the field who are advancing the work, no matter what."
Sentebale emphasised its commitment to supporting youth in Southern Africa "remains as strong as ever".
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"The work continues because they deserve nothing less," the charity added.
Prince Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honour of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
As recently as October, Harry visited Lesotho and spoke about the "massive difference" Sentebale was making.
The name "Sentebale" means "forget me not" in Sesotho, the language of Lesotho, reflecting the princes' commitment to remembering vulnerable children.
Find Out More...