Latest news with #Seeiso
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Prince Harry ‘killed spirit of African charity Sentebale after marrying Meghan'
Prince Harry reportedly became 'disinterested' in his Africa-based charity Sentebale following his marriage to Meghan Markle and move to the United States. The Duke of Sussex's apparent withdrawal is said to have 'killed the spirit' of the organisation, which he co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. The claims come amid suggestions that Harry's involvement dwindled significantly after his 2018 wedding and the couple's relocation to North America two years later. The pair made the 'truly heartbroken' decision last month to resign as patrons from the charity — which supports Lesotho's vulnerable youth — following a string of allegations from former chairman Dr Sophie Chandauka. The Zimbabwean-born lawyer accused the estranged royal of staging a 'cover-up' of an investigation into wrongdoing at Sentebale and sending an 'unpleasant' message for failing to defend Meghan in public. Harry last visited Lesotho in southern Africa in October 2024 — his first in six years. Harry's a loved figure, but his loss of interest has totally killed the spirit of the Sentebale Chief Khoabane Theko He had previously visited more frequently, making four trips between 2010 and 2015. Chief Khoabane Theko, who claims to be Prince Seeiso's brother, said he was 'perturbed' when Harry and Meghan failed to visit Lesotho when on holiday in Africa. Arguing the Duke could have visited Lesotho 'more often', he told The Telegraph: 'When (Sentebale) was launched, I remember his words quite vividly, because he was very strong in saying 'my mother, this place, her passion about Africa' and all that.' The chief, who was unaware Harry had visited Lesotho twice since his marriage seven years ago, added: 'He's a loved figure because of his openness, but his loss of interest has totally killed the spirit of the Sentebale's survival.' Harry has accused Dr Chandauka of telling 'blatant lies' after the Charity Commision launched an investigation into 'concerns' about how Sentebale has been run. Since the resignations, Dr Chandauka has called the Sussexes' brand 'toxic' and accused Harry of 'harassment and bullying at scale' – a claim he fervently denied. In a statement, Harry said he believes the truth about their deepening rift will be 'unveiled'. He said: 'What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal. 'No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself.'
Telegraph
16-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Prince Harry ‘lost interest' in African charity after marrying Meghan
The Duke of Sussex lost interest in the African country where his Sentebale charity was founded after marrying the Duchess of Sussex and moving to the US, it has been claimed. The Duke's fading attention 'killed the spirit' of the charity after he married Meghan in 2018 and emigrated in 2020, according to the brother of Prince Seeiso, his co-founder. Sentebale was founded by the pair in 2006 to honour the legacy of the Duke's mother Diana, Princess of Wales. But last month they both stepped down following a string of allegations from Sophie Chandauka, the charity's chairman. The Duke's last visit to Lesotho, in October 2024, was his first in six years. He used to come more frequently, making four trips between June 2010 and the end of 2015. Chief Khoabane Theko, Prince Seeiso's brother, said he was 'perturbed' when the Duke and Duchess took holidays in Africa but failed to visit Lesotho. Speaking to The Telegraph a few minutes' drive from Sentebale's Mamohato Children's Centre in Thaba Bosiu, the chief suggested the Duke of Sussex could have visited 'more often'. He said: 'When [Sentebale] was launched, I remember his words quite vividly, because he was very strong in saying 'my mother, this place, her passion about Africa' and all that.' The chief, who was not aware Prince Harry had visited Lesotho twice since his marriage, said: 'He's a loved figure because of his openness, but his loss of interest has totally killed the spirit of the Sentebale's survival, I think so – this is my thinking.' He added: 'I haven't seen him [Prince Harry] since he got himself married.' The row over Sentebale erupted after Ms Chandauka, a Zimbabwe-born corporate finance lawyer, accused the charity's board of harassment, bullying and 'misogynoir' – a form of misogyny against black woman. She also claimed the Duke of Sussex tried to use the charity as 'an extension of the Sussex PR machine' to support his wife's public reputation. In response, the Duke said the events had been 'heartbreaking to witness', adding that 'such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades' into the shared goal of supporting young people and children in southern Africa. On Wednesday, it emerged that the charity is facing further upheaval after a newly appointed member of the board quit amid the 'unexpected and sustained' media attention. Dr Margaret Ikpoh, an East Yorkshire-based GP, was named a trustee last month following the mass resignations of Prince Harry and the board. However, she stepped down earlier this month in the wake of intense scrutiny prompted by the bitter boardroom row. A Sentebale spokesman said: 'This is a particularly difficult time to have joined the organisation, given the unexpected sustained and intrusive media attention. 'She has chosen to step down out of respect for her family and other professional commitments, which we fully understand, respect and support. We deeply appreciate her interest in Sentebale over a long period of time and look forward to staying in touch.' Chief Theko, who is also chief whip of the upper chamber of Lesotho's parliament, said it was 'strange' that the Duke had himself left the charity over the row. He said: 'I'm surprised that he's relinquishing the [charity] at this stage when one expected that he would jealously guard it, because it's under his mother's legacy and I thought he would want to die for it,' he said. 'Unless, maybe, he is prepared to come after and come fix it and get it back because I do not believe it comes easy to him to want to give it up, like he's doing – it's a little bit strange for me.' The Charity Commission is investigating the governance of the organisation following Ms Chandauka's allegations. Last month, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso stepped down from the charity alongside the board of trustees. In a joint statement, they claimed Ms Chandauka had been asked to resign but she had refused, leaving the relationship between trustees and the chair of the board broken down 'beyond repair'. Ms Chandauka took aim at the Duchess of Sussex, with whom she shared an awkward interaction at a polo match in April 2024 where she appeared to tell Ms Chandauka to move away from her husband. The moment did not go unnoticed and Ms Chandauka has claimed Prince Harry asked her to release a statement 'in support' of the Duchess. But Ms Chandauka refused, saying last month: 'I said no, we're not setting a precedent by which we become an extension of the Sussex PR machine.' Sentebale's website describes the organisation as working 'with young people and their communities to create sustainable solutions that address issues of health, wealth inequity, and climate resilience in Lesotho and Botswana'. The Duke was inspired to set up Sentebale, which means 'forget-me-not' in Sesotho, the local language, after spending two months in Lesotho during his gap year in 2004. He has held a number of fundraising polo events for the charity and attended a reception at a New York gallery to raise money for it as recently as December. Founded in memory of the Duke's late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, the charity supports children affected by HIV in the two countries – a cause close to the Princess's heart. Prince Harry's last visit in October was described by his office as involving a 'series of impactful events'. Travelling with Prince Seeiso and Ms Chandauka, the Duke took part in a 'fireside chat' in which he praised the charity's work so far. Prince Harry also met the country's King, Queen and prime minister during the trip, which he took without his wife. It was the first visit the Duke had made to the landlocked, mountainous country since the Sussexes stepped down as working royals and moved to the United States in 2020. Before then, he took a solo trip to the country in June 2018 – a month after his wedding to the Duchess – in what was described as a 'private trip' by Kensington Palace. 'She seems like a far-away person to us' Since then, Prince Harry has been busy with writing his best-selling memoirs, Spare, raising his two children and engaging in various legal battles against UK newspaper publishers and attempting to prove he should be entitled to police protection while in the UK. The Duchess meanwhile has been promoting her food and lifestyle brand As Ever, as well as filing a tell-all Netflix documentary with her husband and her own series With Love, Meghan. The chief said: 'Did she never come to Lesotho, Meghan? No she hasn't. So it seems like she's a far-away person for us, we do not know about her.' The couple have an affinity for Africa and have holidayed on the continent frequently, including in Botswana in 2017 to celebrate Meghan's 37th birthday. In 2019, they visited South Africa – which surrounds Lesotho – on their first royal tour. The Duchess stayed in Cape Town with their son Archie, who was then aged four months, while Prince Harry travelled to Angola, Malawi and Botswana where he visited a Sentebale project. The couple brought along a camera crew from ITV to film a documentary, in which the Duchess memorably said that 'not many people have asked if I'm okay'. 'I was a little bit perturbed' Chief Theko said: 'I was surprised to see them come to Botswana but not Lesotho, knowing what they have in Lesotho would be bringing them closer to our shores. 'But they returned from Botswana and I was a little bit perturbed by that.' Asked if he thought the couple would visit Lesotho more frequently, Chief Theko said: 'I thought they would do that more often, because he's been visiting a lot of African states after their marriage.' Prince Harry became a familiar face in the community, with Chief Theko describing him as a 'very down-to-earth person' who was not 'self-indulgent' and was 'everybody's friend'. In the months leading up to Mamohato Children's Centre being opened in the mountainous landscape of Thaba Bosiu in 2015, neighbouring residents say they were told they would be promised jobs. However, several people told The Telegraph that longer-term roles have instead been handed to applicants in other districts. One worker, a housekeeper for the charity, said she has never been given a long-term contract by Sentebale and instead relies on short-term contracts for 150 Lesotho Loti (LSL) a day – around £6. The average monthly salary in Lesotho is 11,800 LSL, the equivalent of 78 days' work for the housekeeper. 'Not treated well because of management' Speaking through a translator from her sparsely furnished concrete-block home, she said: 'I think the reason we are not treated well as workers is because of the management, not because Sentebale does not have money.' The worker was keen to remain anonymous owing to instructions given to staff following the row among the charity's board. Makeabetsoe Khomo-ea-majoe, 38, took a role as a housekeeper when the centre opened in 2015 but was not given a full-time contract. Also speaking through a translator, she said: 'If you don't go to work, either being sick or otherwise you are regarded to be absent at work therefore you can't earn anything for that day.' When asked about Prince Harry, Ms Khomo-ea-majoe said she remembered preparations for one of his visits to the centre. However, she said she and other housekeepers were instructed to stay away and inside rooms. She said she was 'disappointed' as she had been 'excited to see the Prince' and wondered if it was because her and her colleagues did not have uniforms. Eventually, her job was cut in late 2018, along with several other fellow employees. Other workers spoke of community assets they lost to the opening of the centre. 'Not serving the community' Ralebenya Khomo-ea-Majoe, the father-in-law of the former housekeeper, said the centre was 'not serving the community'. He said: 'The place was a football pitch before Sentebale came and we were told that we will still be able to access the place even after the development. 'Our kids used to play soccer there and there are some trees that the community used for firewood during funerals and ceremonies. 'We are no longer allowed to access the place at all as the community.' However, two teenagers who attended one of the centre's workshops as children praised it. Speaking at his modest home, Khitieone Lefela, remembered the three-day event he took part in as a 15-year-old. Now 18, he said: 'It was really nice and luxurious, the workshop was basically playing and singing – and the staff were all friendly.' 'They would find something that defines some talent that they can see you have. 'For some, it would be football and others might be good at singing – you came home feeling like you had grown more.' 'Not a solution to shut charity' His friend Mpoi Matjeane, now 19, who attended the same workshop said: 'We were with other kids and those taking care of us made us feel that we are kids.' Khitieone's father, Tsolo Qhomane, said: 'The kids enjoy it, they sleep in beds, they have showers. 'They [usually] wash in a bucket. So they didn't have any experience of washing in a shower.' He had applied for a job as a driver when the centre was opened – a role for which he said he was fully qualified. Like others, Mr Qhomane said it was 'not the solution' to shut the whole charity down and that it made him 'sad' to see Prince Harry step down. He added: 'He will have his reasons, he will have seen there is something wrong there. 'I don't think he is wrong because there will be reasons that he's stepped down – maybe that we won't know. 'But, yes, I find it sad, because we are seeing this rot.' Carmel Galliard, Sentebale's executive director, said: 'Sentebale did promise and continues to be committed to employing locally whenever possible. 'Consequently, all of our Mamohato Children's Centre (Sentebale – Lesotho) grounds-keeping, hospitality, catering, driving and security staff are Thaba Bosiu locals. 'Our commitment to growing a truly locally led organisation is demonstrated throughout the organisation, with the most significant change being a relocation of the most senior roles, including the executive director role, to southern Africa.'
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince Harry Just Popped Up in the Last Place I Expected—and He Wasn't Alone
Surprises can be hit or miss. But let's be real—if it's a royal surprise? Count me in. And that's exactly what happened when Prince Harry made an unannounced visit to Ukraine. According to the BBC, the Duke of Sussex, who spent a decade in the British Army, popped up in Lviv to visit the Superhumans Centre—a medical facility that's been doing life-changing work for those injured in the war with Russia. The clinic offers prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and mental health support, all free of charge, to Ukrainian military personnel. Harry didn't go solo either—he was joined by members of the Invictus Games Foundation, the charity he launched back in 2014 to support wounded veterans through sports. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty The visit comes on the heels of a more complicated chapter for the prince. Just last week, he stepped down as founder and patron of Sentebale, a charity he co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso in honor of their late mothers. In a statement, Harry addressed tensions with the organization's leadership, expressing heartbreak over what he described as 'blatant lies' and voicing hope that a Charity Commission inquiry will help restore the mission they set out to achieve nearly two decades ago. 'From the inception of Sentebale nearly 20 years ago, Prince Seeiso and I have had a clear goal: to support the children and young people in Southern Africa in memory of our mothers. What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal. No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself,' he said in a statement, per the BBC. 'On behalf of the former trustees and patrons, we share in the relief that the Charity Commission confirmed they will be conducting a robust inquiry," the statement continued. "We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign. We remain hopeful this will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately, for the sake of the communities we serve.' Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. Prince Harry Made a Sweet Comment About Being a Dad During Surprise Speech
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince Harry Breaks His Silence with Rare Statement: 'What Has Transpired Over the Last Week Has Been Heartbreaking to Witness'
All throughout Meghan Markle's As Ever launch this week, her husband, Prince Harry, has been navigating an unanticipated end: Announced last week, the Duke of Sussex would be resigning from his role as founder and patron of his beloved Sentebale charity, launched in 2006 in honor of his late mother Princess Diana, amidst a fallout with the organization's current chairperson, Dr. Sophie who co-founded the charity alongside Prince Seeiso, who was also impacted by the loss of his mom at a young age, has released a new statement on the matter following an announcement from the U.K.'s Charity Commission that it had formally started their investigation into where things went wrong for Sentebale with this internal dispute. Per the Charity Commission, they have opened a 'regulatory compliance case' and will be gathering evidence to 'assess the compliance of the charity and trustees past and present with their legal duties.' Prince Harry had this to say in response to the news, per the BBC: 'From the inception of Sentebale nearly 20 years ago, Prince Seeiso and I have had a clear goal: to support the children and young people in Southern Africa in memory of our mothers. What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal. No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself.'The Duke's statement continues: 'On behalf of the former trustees and patrons, we share in the relief that the Charity Commission confirmed they will be conducting a robust inquiry. We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign. We remain hopeful this will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately, for the sake of the communities we serve.' Of course, Prince Harry is referencing the bitter (and public) infighting that has carried on via the media since he made the 'devastating' decision to walk away from his role. Alongside Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, the entire board of trustees for the organization resigned last week in protest of chairperson Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who has been with the charity since July 2023. Dr. Chandauka also released a statement confirming she, too, welcomes the Charity Commission's investigation. '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.' (In the meantime, the work of the charity carries on.)The reason for the fallout? Following Harry's announcement of his exit, it was revealed that Dr. Chandauka had recently been asked to resign only to respond to the request with a lawsuit against the organization. (Per People, sources say the friction relates to financial strain for the charity that arose during Dr. Chandauka's tenure—including the cancellation of the Sentebale Polo Cup in 2024.) Clearly, the priority is the charity with both sides eager to get to the bottom of the dispute. Prince Harry Steps Out for Surprise Appearance at Miami Charity Event
Sky News
03-04-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Prince Harry's charity row explained: Why he left Sentebale and what happens now
Prince Harry has been back in the headlines, this time in connection with a charity he co-founded in memory of Princess Diana. He stepped down from Sentabale alongside fellow co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The pair started the charity in 2006 to help young people with HIV in Lesotho and Botswana. But why did they leave, what have different sides said about the exit - and what is happening now? Why did Harry leave? The Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso announced they were stepping down from the charity on Tuesday 25 March in support of trustees who left after a dispute with chairperson Dr Sophie Chandauka. The former trustees who left were Mark Dyer - a mentor and close friend to Harry - Timothy Boucher, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Kelello Lerotholi and Damian West, who said they were stepping down as a "result of our loss in trust and confidence in the chair of the board". They did not specify what the dispute with Dr Chandauka was about. According to The Times, it arose over a decision to focus fundraising in Africa. In a joint statement announcing their departure, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso said: "Nearly 20 years ago, we founded Sentebale in honour of our mothers. Sentebale means 'forget-me-not' in Sesotho, the local language of Lesotho, and it's what we've always promised for the young people we've served through this charity. "Today is no different. With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organisation until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same. "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. "What's transpired is unthinkable. "We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale's beneficiaries, so we will be sharing all of our concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about." What was the response? In her own statement, Dr Chandauka said she would not be intimidated, adding: "For me, this is not a vanity project from which I can resign when I am called to account. She said: "Everything I do at Sentebale is in pursuit of the integrity of the organisation, its mission, and the young people we serve. "My actions are guided by the principles of fairness and equitable treatment for all, regardless of social status or financial means. "There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people, and then play the victim card and use the very press they disdain to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct." She said she had reported the trustees to the Charity Commission and that a UK court had issued an injunction to stop them from removing her. Dr Chandauka added: "Beneath all the victim narrative and fiction that has been syndicated to press is the story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir - and the cover-up that ensued. "I could be anyone. I just happen to be an educated woman who understands that the law will guide and protect me. "I will say nothing further on this matter at this time." Dr Chandauka makes further claims Five days after the prince announced he was stepping down, Dr Chandauka was interviewed on Sky's Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips. She started by saying: "The only reason I'm here... is because at some point on Tuesday, Prince Harry authorised the release of a damaging piece of news to the outside world without informing me or my country directors, or my executive director. "And can you imagine what that attack has done for me, on me and the 540 individuals in the Sentebale organisations and their family? "That is an example of harassment and bullying at scale." She went on to make several other accusations regarding Prince Harry. 20:17 Here is a summary of each: The charity lost sponsors and donors when the Sussexes left the UK, but she wasn't allowed to discuss the problem. She said that when she asked why there was a loss of sponsors at the time the Sussexes left the UK, she was told: "It's an uncomfortable conversation to have with Prince Harry in the room." "What you discovered was essentially, donors were walking because of the prince's reputation?" asked Trevor Phillips. "Yes," Dr Chandauka replied. She described Harry as the "number one risk" to the charity. Dr Chandauka was asked if the Duke of Sussex is the "number one risk" to the charity, and replied "yes". She claimed he tried to "eject" her from the organisation Dr Chandauka said the prince and his team briefed sponsors she had been speaking to "against me and the charity". "That is a sure way of getting me out if it's seen as though I'm not being successful in my fundraising efforts," she said. "There were board meetings where members of the executive team and external strategic advisers were sending me messages saying, 'Should I interrupt?', 'Should I stop this?' 'Oh my gosh, this is so bad'," she said. "In fact, our strategic adviser for fundraising then sent me a message saying she wouldn't want to ever attend any more board meetings or bring her colleagues because of the treatment." When she didn't leave, Dr Chandauka suggested Prince Harry tried to force the failure of the charity he set up in his mother's memory. She said he would appoint board members without consulting her Dr Chandauka gave an example of how she said the prince would behave in board meetings. "Prince Harry decides, on this specific occasion, that he wants to appoint an individual to the board, with immediate effect, without having talked to me," she said. "His proxy on the board says, 'Yes, I second that motion'. The third proxy on the board says, 'Welcome to the board, Brian'. "And everybody's shocked and quiet, but this is what happens when the prince is in the room and no one has the courage to speak." Polo fundraiser 'went badly' She discussed Prince Harry's filming of a Netflix show, and said it meant the charity lost the venue for their polo event. She said the duke phoned her team and said he'd like to bring a Netflix crew to the polo fundraiser. She said the venue owners were originally "happy for us to use their polo grounds at a material discount". But as a result of the request, the price increased as it had become a commercial venture. The charity was forced to pull out of the venue as it couldn't afford the fee, according to Dr Chandauka, but then was "lucky enough" to find another through Prince Harry's connections. On the day, however, she claimed there were more problems. "The duchess decided to attend, but she told us she wasn't attending, and she brought a friend, a very famous friend," Dr Chandauka said. "The choreography went badly on stage because we had too many people on stage. "The international press captured this, and there was a lot of talk about the duchess and the choreography on stage and whether she should have been there and her treatment of me." Has Prince Harry responded to Dr Chandauka's claims? Sky News contacted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex about the contents of Sophie Chandauka's interview with Trevor Phillips, and they declined to offer any formal response. But a source close to the former trustees of the Sentebale charity has described as categorically false Dr Chandauka's claims that Dr Kelello did not attend meetings and did not contribute much when he was in meetings and that the Duke of Sussex leaving the UK impacted the charity, caused it to lose sponsors, or that the Duke posed the biggest risk to the charity. The source also described as "completely baseless" Dr Chandauka's claims that she was bullied and harassed, briefed against by Prince Harry, or that those on the board of Sentebale were scared to speak up when the Duke was in the room. The claim the press was informed about the royal patrons' departure as trustees before the charity has also been described by the source as "categorically untrue". The source described Dr Sandauka's account of the polo match as "highly misleading". Sky News also contacted Netflix, who declined to comment. 13:52 In response to Dr Chandauka's claim that the Duke of Sussex was "forcing the failure" of the charity "as a last resort", the source pointed to the public statement of the princes, which called it "devastating" that the relationship between trustees and chair broke down, "creating an untenable situation". The statement added: "These trustees acted in the best interest of the charity in asking the chair to step down, while keeping the wellbeing of staff in mind. In turn, she sued the charity to remain in this voluntary position, further underscoring the broken relationship." Charity regulator opens case into Sentebale 'concerns' The princes said they would be "sharing all of our concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about", while the Dr Chandauka said she had reported the outgoing trustees to it. The Charity Commission is an independent, non-ministerial government department that regulates charities in England and Wales. On Thursday 3 April, the commission said it had opened a "compliance case" to assess concerns raised about Sentebale. In a statement, the regulator said: "The Charity Commission is now 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. "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 2 April 2025 it has opened a regulatory compliance case. The regulator has not made any findings at this time." Responding to the news of the commission's case being opened, Prince Harry said: "What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal. "No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself. "On behalf of the former trustees and patrons, we share in the relief that the Charity Commission confirmed they will be conducting a robust inquiry. "We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign. "We remain hopeful this will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately, for the sake of the communities we serve." What has Sentebale said? Carmel Gaillard, the charity's executive director, said in a statement: "At any point of significant change in an organisation's journey, conflict can arise. We acknowledge this openly and with a spirit of reflection and forward momentum. "We are deeply grateful for the service, time, and passion of our outgoing trustees. We are also saddened that our co-founding patrons have made the decision to step down from their duties as patrons for the foreseeable future." Ms Gaillard continued: "Their belief in our mission and early leadership helped shape the foundation of our work, and for that, we remain thankful. They will always be the founders of Sentebale. "Good governance is essential to the strength and credibility of any organisation. We are committed to upholding the highest standards and look forward to working with our incoming trustees and our chair to ensure this remains a core part of our operations." Ms Gaillard thanked the charity's teams in Lesotho and Botswana, along with its local partners, supporters and donors, and said it was focused "on providing children and young people across Southern Africa with the tools they need for a brighter future". What does Sentebale do? The charity was launched by Harry and Prince Seeiso in 2006 to help children and young people in Lesotho in southern Africa, particularly those with HIV and Aids. Prince Harry decided to start it up after making a trip to the country during a gap year in 2004. Lesotho, a poor mountainous kingdom surrounded by South Africa, is one of the worst-affected countries in the world by HIV. Harry co-founded it in memory of Princess Diana, who campaigned in support of AIDS charities to help remove stigmas around the disease. In 2015, the organisation opened a £2m children's centre there. In recent years, under Dr Chandauka, the charity has evolved to also address issues of youth health, wealth and climate resilience in southern Africa. Harry visited Sentebale in Lesotho as recently as October, when he spent an evening around a campfire speaking with young people and said the charity was building a force of young advocates. On the same trip, Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane said the country would always be Harry's "second home".
