Prince Harry sued for defamation by charity Sentebale he co-founded
Prince Harry Sued by Charity He Helped Found
Sentebale, a charity co-founded by the Duke of Sussex, has filed a defamation lawsuit against him. The organization, which focuses on supporting youth in southern Africa, alleges that an “adverse media campaign” has led to significant disruption and “reputational harm.” A representative for the charity stated that the legal action aims to seek “intervention, protection, and restitution” against coordinated media attacks they claim have undermined their mission.
Legal Battle Over Media Claims
Prince Harry and Mark Dyer, another former trustee, are named as defendants in the case, which was listed on March 24 under the category of “defamation – libel and slander.” The charity’s current trustees insist the legal costs are fully covered by external funding, not using any charitable resources. A spokesperson for Harry and Dyer countered, stating the charity should prioritize community efforts rather than legal pursuits.
Dispute Over Leadership and Management
The lawsuit emerged from a contentious disagreement over the charity’s direction. Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, along with a group of trustees, departed last year amid a bitter conflict with the charity’s chair, Sophie Chandauka. Reports suggest financial concerns and differing views on fundraising intensified the rift. Both parties exchanged accusations of misconduct, leading to an investigation by the Charity Commission.
Public Fallout and Commission Critique
The Charity Commission concluded in August 2025 that the dispute was publicly damaging, harming the charity’s reputation and overshadowing its achievements. “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,” said David Holdsworth, the commission’s chief executive.
Origins and Legacy of Sentebale
Established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, Sentebale honors the late Diana, Princess of Wales, with a focus on aiding young people in Botswana and Lesotho, especially those living with HIV and AIDS. Harry contributed an additional £1.2m to the charity from his memoir Spare’s profits, describing his exit as “devastating.”
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“They categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims.” — Spokesperson for Prince Harry and Mark Dyer
