Prince Harry will not return to the charity after leaving in March following the feud, sources say, after he called the situation 'untenable'

Prince Harry has permanently distanced himself from Sentebale, the HIV/AIDS charity he co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho as a touching tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana. What began as a deeply personal mission to support vulnerable children and young people in southern Africa – helping them cope with HIV diagnoses, stigma, and poverty – has ended in controversy, leaving the organization grappling with internal disputes and financial challenges.

Inspired by Diana’s groundbreaking AIDS advocacy in the 1980s and 1990s, Harry established Sentebale (meaning “forget me not” in Sesotho) after a transformative gap year visit to Lesotho in 2004. The charity focused on Lesotho and Botswana, regions hit hard by the HIV epidemic, providing psychosocial support, education, health care, and community programs. Over nearly two decades, it reached tens of thousands of young people, running camps, clubs, and initiatives to build resilience and reduce stigma around HIV/AIDS.

However, in March 2025, Harry and Prince Seeiso resigned as patrons following a high-profile leadership clash with chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka. Accusations flew, including claims of bullying and governance issues, prompting a Charity Commission investigation. The probe cleared widespread misconduct but criticized the public fallout for damaging the charity’s reputation. Staff cuts followed to save costs, and reserves plummeted, raising fears of program reductions by 2026 without new funding.

The Sentabale Polo Cup had been the charity's biggest fundraiser, bringing in £740,000 a year, but this was ended two years ago

As of early 2026, sources confirm Harry has no plans to return, viewing the organization as “tarnished” by the feud. The charity insists it remains stable, planning to support over 78,000 young people in 2025 through evolved programs addressing youth health, wealth, and climate resilience. Yet the loss of high-profile events like the Polo Cup – once a major fundraiser featuring Harry – has exacerbated financial strains.

Harry continues Diana’s legacy elsewhere, including UNAIDS campaigns promoting HIV awareness and testing. His commitment to African youth endures, with reports he may explore new charitable avenues. The saga underscores the challenges charities face amid leadership changes and shifting priorities, while highlighting the ongoing HIV crisis in southern Africa, where stigma still hinders progress.

Sentebale’s story reflects Harry’s enduring bond with his mother’s humanitarian spirit – one of compassion for the marginalized. Though his direct involvement ends, the charity’s work persists, reminding us not to forget the children it serves.