In the global humanitarian efforts, certain individuals
emerge as beacons of change, dedicating their resources to causes close to
their hearts. Among them, a notable royal figure has long been recognized for
his profound commitment to charitable endeavors, particularly those focused on
vulnerable populations. For years, Prince Harry’s name has been synonymous with
initiatives that seek to uplift, empower, and heal. However, the path of such
significant engagements is rarely static; it often adapts to new insights,
challenges, and opportunities.
The journey of a philanthropic endeavor is rarely linear,
often facing unforeseen challenges that necessitate difficult decisions.
What led Prince Harry’s to the exit from Sentebale?
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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, co-founded Sentebale in 2006
with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, a charity dedicated to supporting young people
affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. The name Sentebale, meaning forget-me-not
in Sesotho, was chosen in memory of their mothers. For nearly two decades, the
Duke poured considerable personal effort and financial resources into the
organization, making it a cornerstone of his charitable work. However, as per
PEOPLE, the primary catalyst for this departure was a severe governance
breakdown within Sentebale, culminating in a bitter dispute between the
charity’s board of trustees and its chairwoman, Dr. Sophie Chandauka.
Tensions escalated following allegations of financial
mismanagement and the collapse of the 2024 Sentebale Polo Cup, a crucial
fundraising event. The board formally requested Dr. Chandauka’s resignation in
February 2025. Instead of stepping down, she filed a legal challenge against
the charity to block her removal.
In unity with the resigning board of
trustees, who felt they could not in good conscience continue under the
circumstances, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso also stepped down. The Charity
Commission, a U.K. regulator, launched an investigation into the matter. Its
findings, released in August 2025, did not identify widespread or systemic
bullying or harassment but acknowledged significant governance failings,
particularly concerning internal dispute resolution and unclear roles within
the charity, which exacerbated tensions. Ultimately, Prince Harry prioritized ethical
governance and organizational integrity over his connection to the project.
Despite the challenging departure from
Sentebale, the Duke of Sussex maintains a steadfast dedication to numerous
other impactful charitable endeavors.
Charitable roles Prince Harry still holds
Prince Harry continues his long-standing association with WellChild,
a national United Kingdom charity for seriously ill children and their
families. WellChild focuses on ensuring that children with complex health needs
receive care at home rather than in hospitals, allowing them to lead more
fulfilling lives with their families. The Duke’s support helps to raise
awareness and vital funds for this critical work, highlighting the importance
of specialized care and emotional support for families navigating such profound
challenges.
The Invictus Games, an international multi-sport
event for wounded, injured, and sick military service personnel and veterans,
was founded by Prince Harry in 2014. The name Invictus, Latin for unconquered,
perfectly embodies the fighting spirit of these individuals. Inspired by the
U.S. Warrior Games, Prince Harry envisioned a similar international platform to
aid the physical, psychological, and social recovery of service members. He has
been instrumental in the growth of the Games, which have been held in various
cities, including London (2014), Orlando (2016), Toronto (2017), Sydney (2018),
The Hague (2022), Düsseldorf (2023), and most recently, Vancouver and Whistler
(2025), which notably included winter adaptive sports for the first time.
Prince Harry serves as a Global Ambassador for Scotty’s
Little Soldiers, a charity that offers comprehensive support to children
and young people aged 0-25 who have experienced the death of a parent who
served in the British Armed Forces. He consistently participates in their
events, interacts with the children, and pens heartfelt letters of remembrance,
recognizing the unique challenges faced by these young individuals. Prince
Harry also spoke to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, saying that he is “very proud”.
The charity provides one-to-one bereavement support, educational assistance,
development opportunities, and fun activities, all aimed at reminding the
children they are not alone.
While information specifically linking Prince Harry to Himmah
through recent public engagements is less widely reported compared to his
larger patronages, his historical ties to community projects in Nottingham,
particularly those focused on youth and disadvantage, indicate a continued
interest in grassroots initiatives. Himmah is known for its work on food
poverty, racial justice, and educational support within the local community. Prince
Harry has made a donation that made the organization “completely gobsmacked”, Sajid
Mohammed, director of the charity, said to BBC. These types of localized
efforts often represent a quieter, yet equally significant, aspect of his
broader philanthropic interests.
The Archewell Foundation, established by Prince Harry
and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, in 2020, serves as the primary vehicle
for their non-profit activities and creative media ventures. The Foundation’s
approach to philanthropy is centered on identifying immediate needs, building
meaningful initiatives, and driving long-term change, with a commitment to
addressing the root causes of issues. Archewell has partnered with various
organizations globally, focusing on areas such as mental well-being, combating
misinformation, empowering women and girls, and providing community relief.
Notable collaborations include funding Community Relief Centers with José
Andrés’s World Central Kitchen and supporting research on promoting altruism
with Stanford University.
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Prince Harry’s recent attendance at a youth tech event in
New York continues his and Meghan Markle’s advocacy for responsible digital
use, showcasing an evolution in his charitable engagements. This shift reflects
a dynamic approach to philanthropy, where adapting to new challenges, like the
digital landscape, is key. This focus on principled governance and integrity is
also evident in his difficult but necessary departure from Sentebale,
underscoring a commitment to these values within charitable organizations.
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What are your views on Prince Harry’s charitable contributions? Let us know in the comments below.