Prince Harry plans fresh HIV/AIDS initiative with Prince Seeiso as 'ugly' fallout from Sentebale chair Dr Sophie Chandauka intensifies

Sky News AU

a day ago

Prince Harry is weighing plans to create a new African charity in partnership with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho following their dramatic exit from Sentebale earlier this year.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, and his long-time co-founder quit their roles as patrons in March after their relationship with the charity's chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, "broke down beyond repair".
Dr Chandauka, a Zimbabwean lawyer, later alleged she had been subjected to bullying, harassment and misogynoir- discrimination against black women.
While the British Charity Commission last week found "no evidence" to support those claims, sources say both princes are determined to continue the work they began nearly two decades ago helping children and young people living with HIV/AIDS in southern Africa.
"The Duke remains absolutely committed to continuing the work he started, supporting the children and young people of Lesotho and Botswana, nearly 20 years ago," a spokesperson told the Mail on Sunday.
"All options remain on the table, whether that be starting a new charity or working to support pre-existing charities operating in the same sector in the region."
One insider added: "He and Prince Seeiso are keen to work together on a new venture. They are talking about setting up a new charity or clubbing together to support other existing charities doing similar work in the region."
Royal editor Russell Myers told The Royal Report on Sunday the outcome of the Commission's investigation had been "a bit of a mixed bag" for Harry.
"He did step back from the charity that he founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho back in 2006. It was in both of their mothers' memories, having lost their mothers at a young age, and they wanted to try and change the fortunes of the least fortunate children in the country," Myers said.
He noted that Sentebale had become "one of the pillars" of Harry's charitable work, but tensions between the board and its chair had escalated into a "war of words" that eventually saw the British media and the Commission drawn in.
While the Commission ruled against Dr Chandauka's allegations, it found that "ill feeling" remained within the organisation.
It is understood Sentebale has not ruled out pursuing the Duke of Sussex through other avenues over Dr Chandauka's claims.
"While Prince Harry has said that the ruling hadn't gone the way he had wanted, he has been accused of sort of cherry-picking statements from that report," Myers added.
"He finds himself in a pretty difficult position… the real issue here is certainly the children at the centre of this."
Sky News host Caroline Di Russo called the situation "such a shame for all involved".
According to the Mail on Sunday, Harry has now escalated matters further, lodging a formal complaint about Dr Chandauka's conduct.
His office claims she has been "recycling" unfounded allegations under the guise of clarification, which they say "directly impact" his other charitable work.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso established Sentebale, meaning "Forget Me Not" in Sesotho, the language of Lesotho, 2006 in honour of their late mothers, Princess Diana and Mamohato Bereng Seeiso.
Over the years, Harry has contributed significant funds to the organisation, including £1.2 million (AUD $2.4 million) from the proceeds of his 2023 memoir Spare.