Prince Harry sued for defamation by charity Sentebale he co-founded
Prince Harry Faces Defamation Lawsuit from Charity He Helped Found
A legal challenge has been launched against the Duke of Sussex by the charity he co-established, Sentebale. The organization, which focuses on aiding youth in southern Africa, alleges that an ongoing “adverse media campaign” has led to significant disruption and “reputational damage” for the group and its leaders. A representative for Prince Harry and Mark Dyer, a former trustee also involved in the case, stated that the claims being made are “offensive and damaging,” and they firmly reject the allegations.
Dispute Over Management Sparks Legal Action
The lawsuit, filed in March, centers on defamation—specifically libel and slander. It lists Prince Harry and Mark Dyer as defendants, with the charity’s trustees and executive director seeking court intervention to protect their standing. The statement highlights that the case targets coordinated media attacks, which the charity claims have weakened its mission to support young people in Botswana and Lesotho. Legal expenses are reportedly covered entirely by external funds, not using any charity resources.
Prince Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso, departed from Sentebale in March 2025 amid a contentious boardroom conflict with the charity’s chair, Sophie Chandauka. The split followed disputes over financial decisions and fundraising strategies, which reportedly intensified internal tensions. Both parties exchanged accusations of misconduct, culminating in an investigation by the Charity Commission.
“Sentebale’s issues were exposed publicly, allowing a harmful disagreement to tarnish its reputation, risk overshadowing its accomplishments, and threaten its ability to serve the communities it was established to help,” stated David Holdsworth, the Charity Commission’s chief executive.
The commission concluded in August 2025 that responsibility for the conflict was shared among all parties. It criticized the way the dispute unfolded in the media, which it said harmed the charity’s credibility. Prince Harry, who established Sentebale in 2006 in memory of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, recently donated £1.2m from his memoir profits. He described his exit from the charity as “devastating.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Duke and Dyer emphasized that the charity should prioritize its work with beneficiaries rather than engaging in legal battles. The case continues to draw attention to the ongoing tensions between the royal figure and the organization he once championed.
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