Latest news with #CharityCommissionforEnglandandWales
New York Post
a day ago
- Business
- New York Post
Prince Harry's former charity Sentebale cuts UK staff to just one employer after bitter row
Sentebale, the African charity Prince Harry had co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006, has sensationally dismissed all but one of its UK staffers following a bitter, high-profile row with the duke. The organization, which the Duke of Sussex had kick-started in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana, is said to be grappling with financial woes behind the scenes, prompting the major staffing changes. Earlier this month, the Charity Commission for England and Wales announced that it discovered no evidence of 'widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny or misogynoir' at the organization. Advertisement 5 African charitySentebale has sensationally dismissed all but one of its UK staffers following a bitter, high-profile row with the duke. Getty Images for Sentebale While the probe found no 'overreach' by Harry or the chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, it criticized both parties for allowing the dispute 'to play out publicly.' The bitter conflict prompted a mass exodus at the organization — with widespread resignations taking place across the board, The Times of London reports. Advertisement The charity has confirmed that only one full-time employee remains at its UK headquarters following the layoffs, adding that a total of 7 departures will be taking place between April and September. A redundancy notice indicated the organization 'does not have' donor funding and was entering 'retrenchment,' the outlet adds. 5 Prince Harry had co-founded the charity with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006. Getty Images for Sentebale Among those dismissed was the charity's global head of finance and compliance. Advertisement The organization has since claimed that the layoffs were part of a 'global restructuring' plan that had been discussed in early 2024 and announced in December. 'Improve efficiencies, transition senior executive roles to Southern Africa and to respond to changing service delivery demands,' the charity said in a statement. 5 Harry exited the charity following an internal dispute with the chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. Getty Images for Sentebale They said the restructuring was prompted by 'increasing uncertainty relating to international donor funding specifically (e.g. USAID) and uncertainty relating to events such as polo.' Advertisement 'It is worth noting that the narrative being created with regards to departures is entirely misleading,' the organization added. Follow The Post's royal family live blog for the latest pics, news, exclusive details and more The staffing changes come after it emerged that the Mamohato Children's Centre in Lesotho — which looked after more than 700 children each year — had been 'effectively mothballed.' Staffers have been asked to save money by working from home, the Times of London added. 'The main thing we're all waiting for are the accounts,' a source told the outlet, adding that the organization apparently told its employees that its $1.9 million budget, which had been accumulated over 20 years, had been fully spent. 5 The 'Spare' author, 40, sensationally left his role as patron at the African charity back in March. REUTERS 'There have been a lot of redundancies, there's been people who have been let go, a lot of churn and people have left,' the insider added. The Post has reached out to Sentebale for comment. Advertisement Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters The 'Spare' author, 40, sensationally left his role as patron at the African charity back in March following an internal dispute with Chandauka. In a further twist to the drama, Sentebale called on the Charity Commission to provide clarity about its recent probe. 5 Harry's reps have since confirmed to The Post that he is weighing out his options following his bitter departure from the organization. Getty Images for Sentebale Advertisement The organization asked the investigating body to make it clear that its report did not specifically look into accusations of racism and misogyny directed at the duke, who quit royal life in 2020. The Invictus Games founder's reps have since confirmed to The Post that he is weighing out his options and possibilities following his bitter departure from the organization.
Mint
11-08-2025
- Health
- Mint
Prince Harry stays committed to helping African youth even after stepping down from Sentebale charity
Prince Harry is exploring new ways to support young people in southern Africa, following his resignation from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006. The Duke of Sussex, 40, stepped down from his role in March this year, alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, after disagreements within the organisation's leadership. The move followed tensions between Sentebale's chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka and the board of trustees. Although a recent investigation by the Charity Commission for England and Wales found no signs of widespread bullying or misconduct, the Commission criticised how the conflict was handled, saying it harmed Sentebale's reputation and trust in charities more broadly. Despite the challenges, Prince Harry remains committed to the cause. A spokesperson said, '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.' There is no confirmed plan yet, but 'all options remain on the table', according to Harry's team. These could include starting a new charity or supporting existing ones that focus on similar work in the region. Sentebale, which means 'forget-me-not' in the Sesotho language, was set up in memory of Prince Harry's and Prince Seeiso's mothers. The charity has helped children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS, through healthcare, education, job training, and life skills support. Although he has stepped away from Sentebale, Prince Harry's dedication to southern Africa appears unchanged.
7NEWS
08-08-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Two royals including Prince Harry cleared of bullying but charity investigation reveals damage is already done
British regulators on Wednesday criticised both camps disputing over the future of a charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The Charity Commission for England and Wales revealed it found no evidence of widespread bullying or misogyny at Sentebale, however revealed the public disagreement has damaged the organisation's reputation. Prince Harry founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids. The commission opened a review of Sentebale's governance in April after Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso stepped down as patrons, saying the relationship between the board and its chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, was beyond repair. Chandauka later accused Prince Harry of orchestrating a campaign of bullying and harassment to try to force her out. Prince Harry's spokesperson responded to the findings, saying the report '... falls troublingly short in many regards, primarily the fact that the consequences of the current chair's actions will not be borne by her — but by the children who rely on Sentebale's support'. The watchdog criticised all parties in the fallout for allowing it to play out publicly and said all trustees contributed to a 'missed opportunity' to resolve the issues behind closed doors. 'The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviours displayed in private,' Chandauka said. 'We are emerging not just grateful to have survived, but stronger: more focused, better governed, boldly ambitious and with our dignity intact.' The fallout came after Sentebale's trustees sought in 2023 to introduce a new fundraising strategy, with the dispute arising between Chandauka and some of the trustees and Prince Harry. A war of words followed the resignations of Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, who issued a joint statement in March describing their decision as 'devastating'. The royals added they could see 'no other path forward as the result of our loss in trust and confidence in the chair of the board'. Chandauka hit back in a television interview accusing the duke of being 'involved' in a 'cover-up' of an investigation about bullying, harassment and misogyny at the organisation. She said the 'toxicity' of his brand had affected the charity, which had seen a drop in donors since Prince Harry moved to the United States. The regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity but acknowledged 'the strong perception of ill treatment' felt by some involved. 'Passion for a cause is the bedrock of volunteering and charity, delivering positive impact for millions of people here at home and abroad every day,' David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said. 'However, in the rare cases when things go wrong, it is often because that very passion has become a weakness rather than a strength. 'Sentebale's problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity's reputation, risk overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardising the charity's ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve.'
New York Post
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Prince Harry left ‘raging' in late-night phone calls over Sentebale charity probe: report
Prince Harry has reportedly been left 'raging' in late-night phone calls over the latest probe findings into Sentebale, the charity he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The Duke of Sussex, 40, was forced to issue a response after the Charity Commission for England and Wales announced Tuesday that it discovered no evidence of 'widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny or misogynoir' at the organization. As a result, the 'Spare' author is said to be 'utterly devastated' over what he sees as a 'hostile takeover of his life's work,' a source told the Daily Mail. Advertisement 5 Prince Harry has reportedly been left 'raging' in late-night phone calls over the latest probe findings into Sentebale. Getty Images Insiders told the outlet that Harry has been spending 'hours' on the phone with supporters late into the night over the fiasco. The duke and his pals believe the African charity's current chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka 'cajoled her way to a position of power and influence.' What's more, the Invictus Games founder refuses to 'even use her honorary title of doctor, such is the depth of their animosity,' the outlet claims. Advertisement Harry and his camp allegedly claim that Chandauka would rather the charity 'go down in flames' than resign from her post, per the outlet. 'She shopped them all to the Charity Commission when the trustees raised their concerns about the charity's governance,' an insider said. Another source told the outlet that Harry had 'personally tried' to mediate between Chandauka and the charity's trustees — and further offered to bring an independent law firm to help the situation. Advertisement 5 The Charity Commission for England and Wales discovered no evidence of 'widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny or misogynoir' at the organization. Getty Images for Sentebale 5 The 'Spare' author is said to be 'utterly devastated' over what he sees as a 'hostile takeover of his life's work,' sources claim. PA Images via Getty Images The insider claims Harry said there is 'no way in hell' he would ever work with Sentebale again, 'or at least not while Sophie Chandauka and her new stool pigeons [new trustees] were in place.' As the duke plots his next philanthropic move, sources claim that his approach will change if he decides to set up a new charity again. Advertisement He 'would categorically not do it under the jurisdiction of the Charity Commission for England and Wales which he has no faith in and would go as far to say that he believes isn't fit for purpose,' they said. Follow The Post's royal family live blog for the latest pics, news, exclusive details and more However, Harry's team has since refuted the claims, saying they are 'a distortion of the facts.' 'While we don't recognize the source of these quotes, it would be accurate to say that the Duke is, of course, deeply upset by this entire ordeal; though he remains absolutely committed to continuing the work he began 19 years ago — that being to support the children of Lesotho and Botswana living with HIV/AIDS and struggling with mental health issues,' Harry's rep told The Post. On Tuesday, the probe found no 'overreach' by Harry or Chandauka, however, it criticized both parties for allowing the dispute 'to play out publicly.' 5 On Tuesday, the probe found no 'overreach' by Harry or Chandauka, however, it criticized both parties for allowing the dispute 'to play out publicly.' Getty Images for Sentebale The Commission pointed to poor internal governance at Sentebale and claimed that the duo's 'failure to resolve disputes internally severely impacted the charity's reputation and risked undermining public trust in charities more generally.' In response, Harry's spokesperson said that it wasn't surprising the Commission found no evidence of wrongdoing. Advertisement 'Unsurprisingly, the Commission makes no findings of wrongdoing in relation to Sentebale's Co-Founder and former Patron, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex,' his rep said in a statement, per People. 'They also found no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment or misogyny and misogynoir at the charity, as falsely claimed by the current Chair.' Advertisement 5 Prince Harry resigned as patron of Sentebale in March following Chandauka's shocking claims. Getty Images for W+P 'Despite all that, their report falls troublingly short in many regards, primarily the fact that the consequences of the current Chair's actions will not be borne by her — but by the children who rely on Sentebale's support,' they added. Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso both resigned as patrons of Sentebale in March following Chandauka's shocking claims.
06-08-2025
- Politics
UK regulators criticize all sides in dispute over Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso's charity
LONDON -- British regulators criticized on Wednesday both sides in a dispute over the future of a charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, for allowing the issue to be played out in public and damaging the organization's reputation. The Charity Commission for England and Wales went on to say that it found no evidence of widespread bullying or misogyny at Sentebale, which provides support for young people living with HIV in Botswana and Lesotho. The commission opened a review of Sentebale's governance in April after the two princes stepped down as patrons and a group of trustees, saying the relationship between the board and its chair, Sophie Chandauka, was beyond repair. Chandauka later accused Harry of orchestrating a campaign of bullying and harassment to try to force her out. Disagreements over the organization's future surfaced in 2023 after the then-board of trustees sought to roll out a new fundraising strategy in the United States, the commission said. The dispute between Chandauka, other trustees and Harry was first reported to the commission in February 2025. Those tensions became public in March, when Harry announced he was stepping down as patron to support the trustees who had resigned. In his role as patron, the prince used his star power to promote and raise funds for Sentebale. 'Sentebale's problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity's reputation, risk overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardizing the charity's ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve,' commission CEO David Holdsworth said in a statement released Wednesday. Harry's spokesman attacked the commission's decision. The report 'falls troublingly short in many regards, primarily the fact that the consequences of the current chair's actions will not be borne by her – but by the children who rely on Sentebale's support,' Harry's spokesman said in a statement. Harry will now look at alternative ways to help young people in Botswana and Lesotho, the spokesman said. Chandauka welcomed the report, saying it confirmed the governance issues she raised earlier this year. 'The unexpected adverse media campaign that was launched by those who resigned on 24 March 2025 has caused incalculable damage and offers a glimpse of the unacceptable behaviors displayed in private,' she said in a statement.
