Sentebale Faces Funding Difficulties After Rift with Prince Harry

Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry in 2006, is reportedly undergoing a financial crisis following the breakdown of its relationship with the duke. The organization has recently cut most of its staff in the UK, with only one employee remaining in London.

According to reports, four out of five London-based staff members, including the head of finance and compliance, have been laid off due to funding shortages. While Sentebale assures that many donors remain committed, an internal letter reportedly describes the charity’s current situation as one of “retrenchment.”

Sources suggest there has been considerable staff turnover, with many individuals leaving amid the financial strain. The organization has confirmed that it has laid off two dozen employees since March, attributing the financial decline to negative media coverage and the “hostile takeover” by the chairwoman, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, and the board of trustees.

Sentebale stated that this media campaign has impacted donations but emphasized recent efforts that led to an equal or greater number of new donors aligned with its mission. Despite the setbacks, the charity remains optimistic about future fundraising prospects.

Harry, who co-founded the charity to support young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho, is said to be “utterly devastated” by the internal struggles and the perceived hostile leadership, which prompted him and Prince Seeiso to resign in March. They described the situation as “untenable” and “broken down beyond repair,” yet reaffirmed their lifelong commitment to the organization’s mission.

Harry’s spokesperson has not responded immediately to inquiries. Meanwhile, the duke’s recent ventures include a new, lower-value Netflix deal, as well as a series of upcoming projects with the streaming giant, including a second season of “With Love, Meghan” set to premiere soon.