LONDON — An African charity co-founded by Prince Harry has filed a lawsuit against the British royal, accusing him of orchestrating a media campaign that inflicted reputational harm on the organization. The legal action, announced on Friday, targets Harry and former trustee Mark Dyer in the High Court of England and Wales, stemming from a contentious governance dispute that led to Harry's resignation last year.
Sentebale, established in 2006 by Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, was created to support young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and, later, Botswana. The charity's name, meaning 'forget me not' in the Sesotho language, serves as a poignant tribute to Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, who died in a Paris car crash in 1997 when Harry was just 12 years old. It also carries the connotation of a farewell in Sesotho, adding layers of emotional significance to the organization's mission.
The dispute at Sentebale escalated publicly in early 2025, pitting Harry against the charity's chairperson, Sophie Chandauka, who was appointed to the voluntary role in 2023. According to the charity's statement provided to AFP, "Sentebale has commenced legal proceedings in the High Court of England and Wales." The organization claims the suit seeks "the court’s intervention, protection and restitution following a coordinated adverse media campaign conducted since 25 March 2025 that has caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the charity, its leadership and its strategic partners."
Online court filings, as reported by U.K. media, list Prince Harry and Mark Dyer as defendants. Sentebale's statement further elaborates that "the proceedings have been brought against Prince Harry and Mark Dyer, identified through evidence as the architects of that adverse media campaign, which has had significant viral impact and triggered an onslaught of cyber-bullying directed at the charity and its leadership." Dyer, a longtime associate of Harry, previously served as a trustee of the charity.
The conflict traces back to a governance crisis that prompted a wave of resignations. In 2024, Harry and Prince Seeiso announced their resignations from Sentebale after the organization's trustees stepped down en masse. The trustees had demanded that Chandauka resign, but she refused, leading to their walkout. This internal strife unfolded against the backdrop of Harry's decision to step back from most of his royal duties in 2020, when he and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, relocated to North America with their children, relinquishing many patronages but retaining a close connection to Sentebale.
Chandauka, speaking to British media in March 2025, leveled serious accusations against Harry, including claims of bullying. She also criticized his decision to bring a Netflix camera crew to a Sentebale fundraiser in 2024, describing it as an unwelcome intrusion. Additionally, Chandauka objected to an unannounced appearance by Meghan at the event, which she said contributed to the tensions. "I raised these governance concerns privately in February 2025," Chandauka stated after the Charity Commission's findings, appreciating their conclusions that "confirm" her earlier complaints.
The U.K. Charity Commission launched an inquiry into the matter, culminating in a report released in August 2025. The regulator identified "mismanagement in the administration of the charity," attributing it to "a lack of clarity in delegations." However, it found "no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir (prejudice against black women)" — allegations that Chandauka had made against Harry and others. The Commission criticized "all parties to the dispute for allowing it to play out publicly," noting that the "damaging internal dispute" had "severely impacted the charity’s reputation."
As a result of the inquiry, the Charity Commission issued the organization with an action plan to "address governance weaknesses." Chandauka welcomed the report, saying she "appreciated" its outcomes. On the other side, Harry's representatives have not publicly commented on the lawsuit as of Friday, but the prince's resignation in 2024 was framed by supporters as a necessary step amid irreconcilable differences over leadership.
The timing of the lawsuit adds another layer to Harry's ongoing legal entanglements. Just less than two weeks ago, the prince concluded his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday in the High Court. Harry, along with six other claimants, accuses Associated Newspapers of unlawful information gathering, including allegedly placing listening devices in cars and homes. The publisher has "strongly denied" these accusations, calling them baseless. This marks the third legal action Harry has brought against British tabloids in his broader campaign against what he describes as invasive press practices.
Sentebale's operations have been central to Harry's philanthropic efforts since its inception. The charity has focused on providing medical care, education, and psychosocial support to vulnerable youth in southern Africa, where HIV/AIDS remains a significant challenge. Lesotho, in particular, has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, affecting a substantial portion of its population. By co-founding Sentebale, Harry sought to honor Diana's legacy in HIV/AIDS advocacy; she was known for her groundbreaking work in the field, including shaking hands with AIDS patients at a time when stigma was rampant.
Prince Seeiso, Harry's co-founder and a member of Lesotho's royal family, has remained involved in the charity's work despite the recent upheavals. The organization's expansion to Botswana in recent years aimed to broaden its impact, serving thousands of children and young people through programs that include polo matches and other fundraising events — activities Harry personally championed during his tenure.
The public nature of the dispute has drawn scrutiny from charity watchdogs and royal observers alike. While the Charity Commission's report exonerated the organization of systemic bullying, it highlighted how the internal divisions spilled into the media, amplifying damage to Sentebale's standing. U.K. media reports suggest the adverse campaign referenced in the lawsuit involved social media posts and articles that portrayed Chandauka negatively, though specifics remain under legal seal.
For Harry, who has positioned himself as a global advocate for mental health and vulnerable children post-royal life, the lawsuit represents a stark reversal. Sentebale was one of the few causes he maintained after leaving the monarchy, underscoring its personal importance. The charity's board, now under Chandauka's leadership, appears determined to safeguard its mission amid the fallout, with the legal proceedings potentially reshaping its future governance.
As the case progresses in the High Court, questions linger about the long-term effects on Sentebale's work in Africa. Fundraising efforts, already strained by the dispute, could face further challenges if the reputational issues persist. Meanwhile, Harry continues his advocacy through other channels, including his Archewell Foundation with Meghan, but this episode serves as a reminder of the complexities in managing high-profile philanthropy.
The lawsuit's outcome remains uncertain, with no trial date set as of yet. Legal experts, speaking anonymously to U.K. outlets, predict a protracted battle given the involvement of a prominent figure like the Duke of Sussex. For now, Sentebale's statement emphasizes its commitment to its core beneficiaries, stating that the action is necessary to protect the organization's ability to continue its vital work.
In the broader context of royal family dynamics, this development underscores ongoing tensions for Harry, who has distanced himself from the institution while selectively engaging with causes tied to his heritage. The Charity Commission's call for better governance could prompt reforms not just at Sentebale but across similar organizations, ensuring disputes are handled privately to minimize harm.