Prince Harry sued for defamation by charity Sentebale he co-founded

Prince Harry Sued for Defamation by Charity He Co-Founded

Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Prince Harry, has launched legal proceedings against him for defamation. The organization, which supports youth in southern Africa, alleges that an “adverse media campaign” has caused significant disruption and damaged its reputation. A representative for the charity stated the lawsuit aims to secure “intervention, protection, and restitution” against coordinated attacks in the media, which they claim undermine their mission to aid young people.

Prince Harry and former trustee Mark Dyer are listed as defendants in the case, filed on 24 March. The claim is categorized under “defamation – libel and slander.” The charity’s current leadership insists the legal expenses are fully covered by external funding, with no use of charitable resources.

“They categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims,” said a spokesperson for Prince Harry and Mark Dyer, emphasizing the charity should focus on community support rather than litigation.

The dispute began last year when Harry departed Sentebale amid a contentious boardroom conflict. Alongside Dyer, he left the organization in March 2025, reportedly due to disagreements over management and financial strategies. The Charity Commission investigated the matter, finding fault on both sides and criticizing the public nature of the conflict for harming the charity’s standing.

“Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm its reputation,” noted David Holdsworth, the Charity Commission’s chief executive. He added that the controversy risked overshadowing the charity’s achievements and jeopardizing its ability to serve its beneficiaries.

Established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, Sentebale honors Diana, Princess of Wales, and focuses on aiding young people in Botswana and Lesotho, especially those affected by HIV and AIDS. Harry contributed £1.2m from his memoir “Spare” to the charity and described his exit as “devastating.”

Reports suggest tensions within the charity were fueled by financial disputes and differing views on fundraising approaches. The organization’s chair, Sophie Chandauka, was at the center of the conflict, which led to a public breakdown and an investigation by the Charity Commission.

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