Prince Harry could 'set up new charity' as 'all options on table' following Sentebale row
The Duke of Sussex stepped down from the charity in March
Prince Harry is reportedly weighing up launching a new humanitarian charity as tensions over his departure from Sentebale continue to escalate.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, stepped down as patron of the charity in March, backing a group of trustees who resigned in protest against chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka following a boardroom dispute.
Dr Chandauka had previously accused Prince Harry of “harassment and bullying at scale” and called his brand “toxic”.
Last week, the Charity Commission released its findings from a probe into the allegations. It said it found no evidence of “widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity”.
Prince Harry considers ‘setting up new charity’ amid Sentebale row
The charity, which Harry co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, supports young people in Botswana and Lesotho, particularly those living with HIV and AIDS.
Prince Seeiso also resigned alongside Harry earlier this year.
Now, a source close to the Duke of Sussex described the fallout as “emotionally absolutely devastating”.
Last week, the Charity Commission published its findings on the bitter dispute. It criticised both sides for making the row public through interviews and statements.
In what form that support takes, no decisions have been made. All options remain on the table.
While the regulator said it found no evidence of systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny, or misogynoir, it acknowledged “the strong perception of ill treatment” felt by some.
Now, a spokesperson for Harry has said he remains dedicated to the mission he started nearly two decades ago.
“The duke remains absolutely committed to continuing the work he started, supporting the children and young people of Lesotho and Botswana,” they told The Telegraph. “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.”
Harry ‘devastated’ by the way things have turned out
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Mirror that Harry may be “devastated” over the outcome of the charity row.
Jennie noted that Sentebale was a passion project for Harry, rooted in his late mother’s campaign to destigmatise AIDS and HIV.
She said: “When you saw him with the children, he seemed so invested, so compassionate, and full of fun… He has said himself that he is devastated by the way things have turned out.”
She added that Harry likely expected the commission to rule in his favour.
While the commission’s findings cleared Harry of the most damaging allegations, they also delivered a stern rebuke to both him and Dr Chandauka for conducting such a public and heated dispute.
“Neither side has come out of this well,” Jennie concluded. “Both have had their wrists well and truly slapped by the commission.”
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