Harry resigns as patron of African charity he founded

The Duke of Sussex has quit as patron of a charity in Africa he set up in honour of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, after a boardroom battle within the organisation.

- STAFF REPORTER

Harry founded charity Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with Aids.

But several trustees have left the organisation in a dispute with the chair of the board, Dr Sophie Chandauka, having requested her resignation.

According to The Times, the dispute arose around a decision to focus fundraising in Africa. In a joint statement, the duke and Prince Seeiso backed the departing trustees and said they had resigned as patrons until further notice.

They said: “Nearly 20 years ago, we founded Sentebale in honour of our mothers. Sentebale means ‘forget-me-not’ in Sesotho, the local language of Lesotho, and it’s what we’ve always promised for the young people we’ve served through this charity.

“Today is no different. With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as Patrons of the organisation until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same.

“It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation.”

In response, Dr Chandauka appeared to criticise the duke for going to the press and "playing the victim card".