Prince Harry sued for defamation by charity Sentebale he co-founded
Prince Harry Sued by Charity He Co-Founded for Defamation
A legal battle has emerged between Prince Harry and the charity he helped establish, Sentebale. The organization, which focuses on supporting youth in southern Africa, alleges that the Duke of Sussex and former trustee Mark Dyer are involved in a “defamation – libel and slander” claim filed on 24 March. The case, they argue, stems from an “adverse media campaign” that has disrupted operations and damaged the charity’s reputation.
A spokesperson for Sentebale emphasized that the litigation aims to secure “intervention, protection, and restitution” against coordinated attacks in the media, which they claim have undermined their efforts to aid young people. The current trustees noted that legal expenses are fully funded by external sources, with no use of charitable resources.
“The charity should be concentrating on the communities it supports, not pursuing legal actions,” stated the representative for Prince Harry and Mark Dyer.
About the Dispute
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, co-founders of Sentebale, resigned from the charity in March 2025 amid a bitter disagreement with its chair, Sophie Chandauka. The conflict reportedly intensified due to financial disagreements and differing views on fundraising strategies. Both parties exchanged accusations of misconduct, leading to an investigation by the Charity Commission.
The watchdog concluded in August 2025 that the dispute had publicized blame on all sides, harming the charity’s image. David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, remarked: “Sentebale’s issues became a public spectacle, risking its achievements and threatening its ability to serve its intended beneficiaries.”
Charity’s Founding and Background
Sentebale was established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso in memory of Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. The initiative targets young people in Botswana and Lesotho, especially those affected by HIV and AIDS. Additionally, Harry contributed £1.2m from his memoir Spare to the charity, calling his departure “devastating.”
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