Watchdog opens case into ‘concerns' at Prince Harry's charity
The Charity Commission has opened a case into 'concerns raised' about Prince Harry's African charity, Sentebale, amid a bitter boardroom battle.
The watchdog said it had made contact with those who have raised concerns about the charity's governance, including the Duke and Sophie Chandauka, the chairman.
The Charity Commission said in a statement on Thursday: 'The regulator for charities in England and Wales has opened a regulatory compliance case to examine concerns raised about the charity Sentebale.'
It comes after a bitter row over the charity's governance, fuelled by claims and counter-claims of racism, bullying and mismanagement.
The commission said it was 'in direct contact with parties who have raised concerns to gather evidence and assess the compliance of the charity and trustees past and present with their legal duties'.
It added: 'The regulator's focus, in line with its statutory remit, will be to determine whether the charity's current and former trustees, including its chair, have fulfilled their duties and responsibilities under charity law.
'The Commission is not an adjudicator or mediator and is guided by the principle of ensuring trustees fulfil their primary duty to their charitable purpose and beneficiaries.
'After a period of assessing the initial concerns raised with the Commission, the regulator informed the charity on April 2 2025 it has opened a regulatory compliance case. The regulator has not made any findings at this time.'
Decision welcomed by chairman
Ms Chandauka, who first raised concerns with the watchdog in February, said she welcomed its decision to open a case.
She revealed the charity had launched an internal governance review last year and would share its findings with the commission.
She said: 'We hope that, together, these actions will give the general public, our colleagues, partners, supporters, donors and the communities we serve comfort that Sentebale and its new board of trustees are acting appropriately to demonstrate and ensure good governance and a healthy culture for Sentebale to thrive.'
Carmel Gaillar, Sentebale's executive director, added: 'Transparency and accountability are central to how we operate, and the executive team and I are fully committed to supporting the Charity Commission's Regulatory Compliance case in any way needed.
'We will also continue to work closely with the chair and the new board of trustees to ensure the smooth running of the organisation, keeping our focus firmly on delivering for the young people and communities we serve.'
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, with whom he founded the charity, said last month that the relationship between the trustees and Ms Chandauka was broken 'beyond repair, creating an untenable situation.'
They said they would be sharing concerns with the Charity Commission 'as to how this came about'.
When Ms Chandauka first raised her complaint with the watchdog, she accused the board of 'bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir' – prejudice directed at black women.
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