Latest news with #PrinceSeeiso
Sky News
11 hours ago
- Health
- Sky News
Prince Harry considering starting new charity after Sentebale row
Prince Harry is considering starting a new charity after a highly-publicised dispute saw him exit his Sentebale charity, a spokesperson has said. The Duke of Sussex stepped down as a Sentebale patron in March in support of trustees who resigned in opposition to the board chairwoman, Dr Sophie Chandauka, who previously accused Harry of bullying and harassment - claims a source close to the former trustees described as"completely baseless". Sentebale works to support the health and wellbeing of young people, especially those with HIV and AIDS, in Botswana and Lesotho. It was co-founded by Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006. Seeiso also stepped down as patron in March. In a report published on Tuesday, the Charity Commission criticised all sides for making the fallout public with interviews and statements, but the war of words has continued. 1:33 On Sunday, a spokesperson for Harry 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. "In what form that support takes - no decisions have been made. "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." The charity regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, said it found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment at Sentebale, including misogyny or misogynoir. The trustees who resigned said in a statement they were "gravely concerned for the future of the charity" as they felt the commission had "chosen to ignore key concerns and irrefutable evidence raised with them regarding the leadership and oversight of Sentebale's chair". In response to the findings, Sentebale said in a statement: "The Charity Commission is explicitly clear, including in its public guidance, that it is not the commission's responsibility to adjudicate or mediate internal disputes. This would include individual allegations of bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir etc. "As a result, the commission has not investigated any individual allegations and therefore has not made any findings in relation to individuals, including Prince Harry. "The issues not investigated by the commission can and may be dealt with through avenues more appropriate than the commission."
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince Harry Seriously Offended by His Former Charity's ‘Poor Taste' Comment About Princess Diana—He's ‘Emotionally Devastated'
Prince Harry is defending his mother's memory. A recent dispute involving Harry's former charity has left the royal pushing back on a narrative that seemingly included Princess Diana's name out of nowhere. This all comes after the Duke of Sussex announced in March 2025 that he and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho were stepping down as patrons of Sentebale, a Southern African nonprofit they co-founded almost 20 years ago. More from StyleCaster William Made a Big Demand For His Cousin's Wedding After Learning Harry Was Also Invited-His Brother Is 'Beneath' Him Meghan's Latest Move Could Derail Harry & Charles 'Fragile' Reunion Plans-There's 'Nothing Good About This' Related: Who inherited what from Princess Diana? 'With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organization until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same,' the two said in a joint statement at the time. 'It is devastating that the relationship between the charity's trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation.' Their departures from the organization came after a row between Sentebale's board of trustees and chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka. The latter sued the trustees after being asked to step down. The organization told People that Dr. Chandauka placed the organization under financial strain. Meanwhile, Dr. Chandauka alleged that she was asked to step down after she 'dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir.' An investigation concluded with a Charity Commission's report stating there was no evidence of 'over-reach' nor was there any 'widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity.' After the report, Chanduka released a statement saying, 'Despite the recent turbulence, we will always be inspired by the vision of our founders, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, who established Sentebale in memory of their precious mothers, Princess Diana and Queen Mamohato.' That last part seems to be what Prince Harry took offense to. A source close to Harry told the Telegraph that bringing up Diana's name was out of line. 'For Sophie Chandauka to have invoked Princess Diana's memory in her own defense was in the poorest possible taste,' the source said. 'She's got what she wants, which is control of the charity, but unfortunately, the people who suffer most out of all of this…are the children of Lesotho and Botswana.' Furthermore, a source close to Harry made clear how upsetting the findings were for him. 'Both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso are devastated by what has effectively been a hostile takeover by Sophie Chandauka,' a source said. 'This was Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry's life work.' The source continued, 'They established it 19 years ago and in that time put in blood, sweat, and tears and their own money into building this charity up to what it was: a multi-million pound charity that delivered nothing but good for the beneficiary community that is supported in Lesotho and Botswana.' According to the Telegraph, Harry is 'emotionally devastated' and 'drained' after losing the battle for control of the charity. He is, however, said to be exploring new avenues to make a difference. Like Princess Diana would. Best of StyleCaster The 26 Best Romantic Comedies to Watch if You Want to Know What Love Feels Like These 'Bachelor' Secrets & Rules Prove What Happens Behind the Scenes Is So Much Juicier BTS's 7 Members Were Discovered in the Most Unconventional Ways Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Harry starting new humanitarian charity ‘a possibility' amid Sentebale row
The Duke of Sussex is considering starting a new humanitarian charity after a highly publicised dispute saw him leave his Sentebale charity, a spokesperson has said. Harry stepped down as patron of the charity in March in support of trustees who resigned in opposition to board chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka, who previously levelled accusations of bullying and harassment against the royal. The charity works in Botswana and Lesotho supporting the health and wellbeing of young people, especially those with HIV and Aids. Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who co-founded Sentebale alongside the duke in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 2006 also stepped down as patron. The Charity Commission published a report into the episode on Tuesday, criticising all sides for making the fallout public with interviews and statements, but the war of words has continued. A source said earlier this week that the row had been 'emotionally absolutely devastating' for Harry, and described Dr Chandauka's comments as 'nothing short of a hostile takeover'. On Sunday, a spokesperson for the duke 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. 'In what form that support takes — no decisions have been made. '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.' The charity regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, said it 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. The trustees who resigned said in a statement they were 'gravely concerned for the future of the charity' as they felt the commission had 'chosen to ignore key concerns and irrefutable evidence raised with them regarding the leadership and oversight of Sentebale's chair'. In response to the findings, Sentebale said in a statement: 'The Charity Commission is explicitly clear, including in its public guidance, that it is not the commission's responsibility to adjudicate or mediate internal disputes. This would include individual allegations of bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir etc. 'As a result, the commission has not investigated any individual allegations and therefore has not made any findings in relation to individuals, including Prince Harry. 'The issues not investigated by the commission can and may be dealt with through avenues more appropriate than the commission.'
The Independent
17 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Harry starting new humanitarian charity ‘a possibility' amid Sentebale row
The Duke of Sussex is considering starting a new humanitarian charity after a highly publicised dispute saw him leave his Sentebale charity, a spokesperson has said. Harry stepped down as patron of the charity in March in support of trustees who resigned in opposition to board chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka, who previously levelled accusations of bullying and harassment against the royal. The charity works in Botswana and Lesotho supporting the health and wellbeing of young people, especially those with HIV and Aids. Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who co-founded Sentebale alongside the duke in honour of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 2006 also stepped down as patron. The Charity Commission published a report into the episode on Tuesday, criticising all sides for making the fallout public with interviews and statements, but the war of words has continued. A source said earlier this week that the row had been 'emotionally absolutely devastating' for Harry, and described Dr Chandauka's comments as 'nothing short of a hostile takeover'. On Sunday, a spokesperson for the duke 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. 'In what form that support takes — no decisions have been made. '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.' The charity regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, said it 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. The trustees who resigned said in a statement they were 'gravely concerned for the future of the charity' as they felt the commission had 'chosen to ignore key concerns and irrefutable evidence raised with them regarding the leadership and oversight of Sentebale's chair'. In response to the findings, Sentebale said in a statement: 'The Charity Commission is explicitly clear, including in its public guidance, that it is not the commission's responsibility to adjudicate or mediate internal disputes. This would include individual allegations of bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir etc. 'As a result, the commission has not investigated any individual allegations and therefore has not made any findings in relation to individuals, including Prince Harry. 'The issues not investigated by the commission can and may be dealt with through avenues more appropriate than the commission.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Harry hits back at charity chief in bullying row - by launching new African children's charity
Prince Harry is planning to outflank the boardroom rival who accused him of bullying by launching a new African children's charity, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. The Duke of Sussex last week walked away from Sentebale following a damning report into an explosive race row. But sources say he is determined to continue the work of the charity, which he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 in honour of their mothers. 'The Duke is anxious that the fight against poverty and Aids in Lesotho and Botswana carries on,' said an insider. '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.' Last week, a Charity Commission probe found 'no evidence' to support Sentebale chairman Dr Sophie Chandauka's allegations of bullying, harassment, misogyny and misogynoir – discrimination against black women. The MoS has learned that Harry has now upped the ante by issuing a formal complaint about Dr Chandauka's conduct, accusing her of 'recycling' unfounded claims. A letter to the commission from his office notes that since the investigation, Dr Chandauka had revisited 'serious, highly-charged and damaging allegations'. It said the claims 'directly impact' his other charity work, adding: 'Ms Chandauka continues to publicly recycle these claims, this time beneath the guise of clarification, all while leveraging the charity's public platform to do so. 'This conduct appears to directly contravene your warning about the risks of airing internal disputes in the media and seems to constitute an ongoing misuse of charitable resources for the pursuit of personal vindication.' Despite rejecting the bullying claims, the Charity Commission found problems in Sentebale's governance and rebuked 'all parties' for allowing the dispute to play out in public. However it said Dr Chandauka and the board could remain in place – a decision that left the Duke devastated and complaining of a 'hostile takeover'. This newspaper can now reveal startling new details of the background to Dr Chandauka's 2023 appointment. In an email to fellow board members, she requested $3,000 (£2,200) a day for her time, claiming this represented 'a very significant compromise/pay cut' as she typically charged £2,500 for 60-minute speaking engagements. A source said it raised eyebrows among trustees and was in 'stark contrast to the selfless, pro bono spirit in which most serve'. In the event, the Zimbabwean-born lawyer eventually agreed to work pro bono. Other emails show she was originally turned down for the role of chairman, but launched 'an all-out pressure campaign' for a formal explanation for her rejection. She eventually got the job, with Harry at the time hailing her appointment. The first hint of trouble came in April 2024, when the Duchess of Sussex ushered the charity boss to the centre of a stage at a polo match. Dr Chandauka said that because a clip of the awkward interaction went viral, Harry invited her to make a public statement in support of his wife. She refused, saying the charity 'cannot be an extension of the Sussexes'. But it was a disagreement over fundraising and a £400,000 bill for consultancy work that caused the relationship to sour further. In March, Harry and Prince Seeiso, plus some trustees, resigned. A statement said the relationship with Dr Chandauka was 'broken', 'beyond repair' and 'untenable'. On Saturday, it was reported the Lesotho children's centre run by Sentebale has been 'effectively mothballed' amid a funding crisis – until recently, some 700 children with HIV attended its camps. In a statement after the commission's report, Sentebale said: 'The Charity Commission is explicitly clear... that it is not the Commission's responsibility to adjudicate or mediate internal disputes. 'The Commission has not investigated any individual allegations and therefore has not made any findings in relation to individuals, including Prince Harry.' The former trustees also issued a statement rebuking the commission for choosing to 'ignore key concerns' over the 'leadership and oversight' of Sentebale's chairman. Dr Chandauka was approached for comment.
