An African charity co-founded by Prince Harry has initiated legal proceedings against him in the United Kingdom, alleging defamation and reputational damage following a prolonged and public dispute over the organisation’s leadership and management.
The charity, Sentebale, confirmed that it has filed a case in the High Court of England and Wales, accusing the British royal and his close associate, former trustee Mark Dyer, of orchestrating a coordinated media campaign that harmed the organisation’s image and disrupted its operations. Court filings classify the matter under defamation, including libel and slander.
Founded in 2006 in honour of Princess Diana, Sentebale works with vulnerable young people affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. The dispute traces back to internal disagreements that escalated into a public fallout, eventually leading to Prince Harry stepping down from his role with the charity in 2025.
In its statement, the organisation alleged that since March 2025, an “adverse media campaign” linked to the defendants had triggered widespread negative coverage, cyberbullying, and operational setbacks. It claimed the campaign had a “significant viral impact” and caused reputational harm not only to the charity but also to its leadership and strategic partners.
The lawsuit further contends that Prince Harry and Dyer were “identified through evidence” as key figures behind the campaign, which allegedly intensified scrutiny and criticism of the organisation online. According to the charity, the situation diverted attention and resources away from its core mission and contributed to internal instability.
The conflict is rooted in a governance dispute between Prince Harry and the charity’s leadership, particularly its chairperson Sophie Chandauka. The disagreement became increasingly public, drawing attention from regulators and prompting scrutiny of the charity’s internal functioning. A subsequent review by the UK Charity Commission criticised all parties for allowing the dispute to play out publicly, though it found no evidence supporting allegations of systemic bullying or harassment.
Prince Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, had resigned from the organisation amid the dispute, citing irreparable differences with its leadership. The fallout marked a significant turning point for Sentebale, which had long been associated with the Duke’s philanthropic work.
In response to the lawsuit, representatives of Prince Harry have rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded and criticising the decision to pursue legal action. They have also questioned the use of resources for litigation, suggesting it detracts from the charity’s humanitarian objectives.
The case now sets the stage for a high-profile legal battle that could further impact the reputation of both the charity and its high-profile founder. As proceedings move forward in the High Court, the dispute underscores the challenges faced by charitable organisations when internal disagreements spill into the public domain.
