Prince Harry Mulls New Charity After Sentebale Fallout: What He’s Planning Next
Jordan Collins here. I guess I can simplify this for you, so pay attention.
Prince Harry is openly weighing whether to start a fresh philanthropic venture after his dramatic exit from Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The ousting unfolded publicly in March and has since become a messy tableau of internal disputes, a regulatory investigation and bruised reputations. According to the Duke’s representatives, he remains committed to helping children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana living with HIV/AIDS and struggling with mental health challenges, but he hasn’t settled on the best vehicle to continue that work.
The Charity Commission for England and Wales recently closed its probe into Sentebale and reported it found no evidence of “widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny or misogynoir” at the charity. The Commission did, however, criticize both Prince Harry and Sentebale’s then-chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka for allowing their dispute to spill into the public realm, saying that their failure to resolve matters internally harmed the charity’s reputation and risked undermining public trust in the sector. Despite the lack of findings on abuse claims, the regulator flagged weak governance within Sentebale, suggesting the organization’s internal structures needed strengthening.
Harry’s camp told press outlets that the duke is “deeply upset” by the whole episode but remains focused on the charity’s mission. “The Duke remains absolutely committed to continuing the work he started, supporting the children and young people of Lesotho and Botswana, nearly 20 years ago,” a representative said. They clarified that no decisions have been made and all options are on the table, including launching a new charity or partnering with established organizations already working in the same field.
Sentebale itself has pushed back on any lingering ambiguity, asking the Charity Commission to clarify that its investigation did not specifically examine allegations of racism or misogyny directed at Harry. That request underscores how sensitive and reputationally damaging the episode has been for everyone involved. The public nature of the dispute amplified questions about leadership, governance and accountability in a charity founded in memory of Princess Diana, whose humanitarian legacy is intrinsically tied to the project’s identity.
Let’s be realistic: starting a new charity is not merely a matter of good intentions and a flashy launch. The Charity Commission’s criticism about governance is a cautionary note. If Harry pursues a new entity, he will need robust structures, transparent leadership roles and experienced trustees to avoid repeating past mistakes. Partnering with existing charities could be the smarter, less risky route. It would allow him to leverage established operations on the ground in Lesotho and Botswana, maintain continuity for beneficiaries and minimize the PR landmines that come with brand-new high-profile entities.
Public sentiment and donor confidence will be pivotal. The fallout has already impressed upon supporters the need for accountability. Harry’s next steps will be watched closely by the media, donors and the communities the charity serves. Will he rebrand his mission and start again, or will he quietly funnel his support through existing channels to protect beneficiaries from further disruption? Both options are on the table, but they are not equal in complexity or consequence.
For now, the duke is evidently regrouping and consulting options. The facts are clear: Sentebale’s probe found no systemic abuse, but governance flaws and a public spat have left scars. Whether Harry launches a new foundation or partners with pre-existing nonprofits, he faces not only logistical choices but an uphill credibility challenge. Keep your eyes peeled; the next move will tell us whether this is a strategic reset or another headline-grabbing misstep.
Well, now you finally understand.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Charity Commission for England and Wales
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
