The watchdog said it was now in direct contact with those involved, “to gather evidence” and assess whether the charity and its trustees past and present had fulfilled their legal duties.
The Duke and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, his co-founder, quit last month alongside the trustees after “unthinkable” infighting within the organisation. There have been claims and counter-claims of racism, bullying and mismanagement.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso at a Sentebale event in October in Leribe, Lesotho. Photo / Getty Images
The Duke said in a statement: “From the inception of Sentebale nearly 20 years ago, Prince Seeiso and I have had a clear goal: to support the children and young people in Southern Africa in memory of our mothers.
“What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal. No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself.
“On behalf of the former trustees and patrons, we share in the relief that the Charity Commission confirmed they will be conducting a robust inquiry. We fully expect it will unveil the truth that collectively forced us to resign.
“We remain hopeful this will allow for the charity to be put in the right hands immediately, for the sake of the communities we serve.”
The Charity Commission confirmed on Thursday it had opened a regulatory compliance case after 10 days of mudslinging over the way Sentebale had been governed.
Sophie Chandauka, the chairwoman who first raised concerns with the watchdog in February, said she welcomed its decision to look into the management issues.
She revealed Sentebale had launched an internal governance review last year and would share its findings with the commission.
“We hope that, together, these actions will give the general public, our colleagues, partners, supporters, donors and the communities we serve comfort that Sentebale and its new board of trustees are acting appropriately to demonstrate and ensure good governance and a healthy culture for Sentebale to thrive,” Chandauka said
Prince Harry pictured with Sentebale chairwoman Sophie Chandauka, who has accused the Prince of being a bully. Photo / Getty Images
The Charity Commission said: “The regulator’s focus, in line with its statutory remit, will be to determine whether the charity’s current and former trustees, including its chair, have fulfilled their duties and responsibilities under charity law.
“The commission is not an adjudicator or mediator and is guided by the principle of ensuring trustees fulfil their primary duty to their charitable purpose and beneficiaries.
“After a period of assessing the initial concerns raised with the commission, the regulator informed the charity on April 2, 2025 it had opened a regulatory compliance case. The regulator has not made any findings at this time.”
A regulatory compliance case focuses on the conduct of trustees and their leadership. In cases of abuse or where there are suspicions or evidence of mismanagement or misconduct, the Charity Commission will open a statutory inquiry.
Through that formal investigation it then has the power to obtain information and to protect the charity, its beneficiaries, assets or reputation, and includes appointing or removing trustees.
‘An untenable situation’
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso said last month the relationship between the trustees and Chandauka had broken down “beyond repair, creating an untenable situation”.
They said they would be sharing their concerns with the Charity Commission “as to how this came about”.
When Chandauka first raised a complaint with the watchdog, she accused the board of “bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir” – prejudice directed at black women.
But a source close to the trustees claimed Chandauka was “playing the race card” because she had realised things were not going her way.
The source claimed Chandauka had also accused the trustees of bullying when she was challenged over the loss of a major sponsor of the annual Sentebale polo cup.
When the board urged her to resign, she launched legal proceedings at the High Court, prompting mass resignations.
“She’s a very poisonous woman and it’s very sad it’s come to this,” the source said.
In response, a source close to Chandauka described the allegation she had “played the race card” as “horrific” and “extraordinarily ironic”. The source claimed one of Sentebale’s white trustees had likened Chandauka’s chairmanship to the white minority rule of 1960s Rhodesia.
The charity insisted it would plough on amid the crisis and was focused on its mission.
Chandauka said: “We appreciate the patience, understanding and tremendous support we have received from our existing and prospective partners and supporters and look forward to continuing to work together with you as we recalibrate for an ambitious future.”
Carmel Gaillar, Sentebale’s executive director, also welcomed the watchdog’s decision to formally assess their concerns.
“Transparency and accountability are central to how we operate and the executive team and I are fully committed to supporting the Charity Commission’s regulatory compliance case in any way needed,” Gaillar said.
“We will also continue to work closely with the chair and the new board of trustees to ensure the smooth running of the organisation, keeping our focus firmly on delivering for the young people and communities we serve.”
