In the ever-tumultuous world of royal philanthropy, where legacies are built on compassion but often tested by controversy, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is poised to embark on a bold new path. Following a highly publicized and acrimonious dispute that led to his departure from Sentebale—the charity he co-founded nearly two decades ago—Harry is actively considering the establishment of a new organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in southern Africa. This development, confirmed by a spokesperson for the Duke on August 10, 2025, underscores his unwavering commitment to the causes that have defined much of his adult life, even as it highlights the challenges of navigating modern charitable landscapes fraught with internal conflicts and public scrutiny.
The announcement comes just days after Britain’s Charity Commission released a scathing report on the internal strife at Sentebale, criticizing all involved parties—including Harry—for allowing a “damaging” row to unfold in the public eye. The regulator’s findings, published on August 6, 2025, cleared the Duke of allegations of bullying, harassment, misogyny, and misogynoir (a term denoting prejudice against Black women) that had swirled around the organization. However, it lambasted the handling of the dispute, noting that it “severely impacted the charity’s reputation” and risked overshadowing its vital work. Sources close to Harry described him as “utterly devastated” by what they termed an “effective hostile takeover” of the charity, painting a picture of a founder sidelined in the very institution he helped build.
Sentebale, meaning “forget me not” in Sesotho, was established in 2006 by a then-21-year-old Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. Inspired by the profound loss of their mothers—Princess Diana and Queen ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso—the duo aimed to address the devastating impacts of HIV/AIDS on children and young people in Lesotho and, later, Botswana. Over the years, the charity has grown into a beacon of hope, providing education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to thousands. It has raised millions through high-profile events like polo matches and galas, with Harry often at the forefront, leveraging his global profile to amplify its mission. Notable achievements include the construction of the Mamohato Children’s Centre in Lesotho and programs that have reached over 200,000 young people, helping to reduce stigma around HIV and empower communities.
Yet, beneath this success story, tensions had been brewing. The dispute escalated in early 2025 when Dr. Sophie Chandauka, Sentebale’s chairwoman since 2021, raised concerns about the organization’s culture and governance. Reports suggest the rift began over strategic differences, including the filming of a Netflix documentary during a charity polo event in 2024, which Harry allegedly promised would bring exposure but instead sparked debates over privacy and commercialization. Chandauka, a prominent lawyer and advocate for diversity, accused elements within the charity of fostering a toxic environment, claims that extended to allegations against Harry himself. In response, Harry and Prince Seeiso stepped down as patrons in March 2025, a move that shocked supporters and ignited media frenzy.
The Charity Commission’s investigation, launched in April 2025, delved into these claims, interviewing staff, trustees, and stakeholders. While exonerating Harry of personal misconduct, the report highlighted systemic issues: poor communication, unchecked power dynamics, and a failure to resolve conflicts privately. “Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity’s reputation,” stated David Holdsworth, the Commission’s CEO. Critics pointed fingers at “all sides,” including former trustees who expressed “grave concern” for the charity’s future. Harry, through allies, countered that the allegations were “unsubstantiated” and part of a broader effort to “rehash” old grievances, further straining relations with Chandauka and the board.
Insiders reveal that Harry endured “late-night phone calls” and intense emotional turmoil during the probe, feeling betrayed by an organization he viewed as his “life’s work.” A source close to the Duke told reporters he was left “raging” over the collapse, viewing it as a personal and professional blow. This sentiment echoes Harry’s broader narrative of estrangement— from the British royal family after his 2020 step-back, to ongoing media battles detailed in his 2023 memoir “Spare.” Philanthropy has been his anchor, a realm where he could channel Diana’s humanitarian spirit without the constraints of palace protocol.
Now, at 40, Harry appears undeterred. His spokesperson emphasized on August 10 that the Duke remains “absolutely committed” to supporting children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS. “No decisions have been made on next steps,” the statement read, but it hinted at exploration of “all options,” including a new charity potentially in partnership with Prince Seeiso. Speculation abounds that this venture could focus on innovative HIV initiatives, building on Sentebale’s foundations while incorporating modern elements like mental health support, climate resilience (given southern Africa’s vulnerabilities), and youth empowerment through technology.
This potential new chapter aligns with Harry’s evolving philanthropic portfolio. Since relocating to California with Meghan Markle and their children, Archie (6) and Lilibet (4), he has expanded his efforts through the Archewell Foundation, launched in 2020. Archewell, with its motto “show up, do good,” has disbursed millions to causes like women’s rights, mental health, and disaster relief, including a $1.5 million donation to Sentebale in 2024 from proceeds of a polo event featured in Netflix’s “Polo” series. Harry also serves on the board of African Parks, overseeing conservation across 22 million hectares, and founded the Invictus Games in 2014, which supports wounded veterans through adaptive sports. In May 2025, he attended the Games’ 10th anniversary in Nigeria, reaffirming his dedication to global service.
Experts see Harry’s move as strategic. “Starting anew allows him to reclaim narrative control,” says royal commentator Dr. Elena Vasquez. “Sentebale’s fallout exposed vulnerabilities in shared governance; a new entity could be more aligned with his vision, perhaps integrating Archewell’s resources.” Potential challenges include funding—Sentebale’s annual income hovers around £5 million—and avoiding perceptions of rivalry. Allies insist it’s about continuity, not competition: “Harry wants to ensure the work doesn’t stop. He’s keen on fresh HIV/AIDS initiatives with Seeiso.”
Public reaction has been mixed. Supporters hail Harry’s resilience, flooding social media with messages like “Keep fighting for the kids, Harry!” Critics, however, question the optics: “Another charity? Sounds like ego over efficiency,” tweeted one skeptic. The royal family remains silent, though King Charles III’s own commitments to Africa via The Prince’s Trust suggest no overt conflict. Meghan, meanwhile, has been supportive, with Archewell’s recent focus on family well-being potentially complementing the new venture.
As Harry contemplates this pivot, it evokes echoes of his mother’s trailblazing. Diana’s work with AIDS patients in the 1980s broke barriers; Harry has carried that torch, visiting Lesotho multiple times and advocating globally. In a 2024 interview, he reflected: “Sentebale was born from loss, but it’s about hope. That’s what drives me.” With the dispute behind him, this new charity could redefine his legacy—not as a prince in exile, but as a philanthropist unbound.
The road ahead is uncertain. Regulatory hurdles, donor recruitment, and sustaining momentum in a crowded NGO space loom large. Yet, Harry’s track record suggests success: Invictus has expanded to 23 nations, and Archewell’s impact grants have empowered grassroots efforts worldwide. If launched, the new organization might host events like polo tournaments or virtual fundraisers, leveraging the Sussexes’ Hollywood ties for star power.
In Montecito, where Harry balances fatherhood with advocacy, this decision marks a defiant step forward. “He’s not walking away; he’s evolving,” a friend confided. As the world watches, Prince Harry’s charitable journey—marked by passion, peril, and persistence—enters an intriguing new phase, promising renewed hope for Africa’s most vulnerable.
