Prince Harry Sued for Defamation by His Former Charity, Sentebale
In a stunning legal turn, the charity Sentebale—an organization co-founded by Prince Harry in 2006—is now suing the Duke of Sussex for defamation. The lawsuit, filed in London’s High Court, marks a bitter climax to a boardroom dispute that saw Harry and other key figures exit the organization last year.
The Core of the Legal Battle
Sentebale, which provides critical support for children and young people living with HIV and AIDS in Botswana and Lesotho, alleges that Prince Harry and former trustee Mark Dyer orchestrated a “coordinated adverse media campaign.” According to the charity, this campaign began on March 25, 2025, and has caused significant “reputational harm” and operational disruption to the organization and its leadership.
The court filings, listed as a claim for “defamation – libel and slander,” suggest that the charity is seeking “intervention, protection, and restitution.” Sentebale claims that false narratives circulated through the media have triggered cyberbullying against its leadership and undermined relationships with strategic partners.
Who is Being Sued?
- Prince Harry: Co-founder and former patron.
- Mark Dyer: A friend of the Prince and former trustee of the charity.
A History of Conflict: From Partnership to Courtroom
Sentebale was established in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to honor the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. However, the relationship between the founders and the charity’s leadership soured over the last few years.
Disagreements reportedly surfaced in 2023 regarding a recent fundraising strategy. Tensions escalated into a “bitter boardroom dispute” involving the charity’s chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. The conflict reached a breaking point in March 2025, when Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso stepped down as patrons in solidarity with five resigning trustees.
At the time of his departure, Prince Harry described the situation as “unthinkable,” stating that the relationship between the board and the chair was “beyond repair.” Conversely, Dr. Chandauka later accused the Duke of Sussex of orchestrating a campaign of bullying and harassment to force her out of her position.
The Response from Prince Harry
A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Mark Dyer has “categorically” rejected the defamation claims, describing them as “offensive, and damaging.” The spokesperson further argued that the charity should prioritize its efforts on the communities it supports in southern Africa rather than pursuing legal action.
Financial Implications
Addressing concerns regarding the apply of donor money, the current trustees of Sentebale have stated that the legal costs for this case are being met “entirely by external funding” and that no charitable funds are being used for the litigation.
Key Takeaways
- The Lawsuit: Sentebale is suing Prince Harry and Mark Dyer for libel and slander in London’s High Court.
- The Allegation: The charity claims a coordinated media campaign caused reputational damage and operational disruption.
- The Backdrop: The suit follows a March 2025 split where Harry and Prince Seeiso left the charity after a dispute with chair Sophie Chandauka.
- Funding: Sentebale asserts that external funding, not charitable donations, is paying for the legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sentebale?
Sentebale is a charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006. It focuses on helping youth with HIV and AIDS in southern Africa, specifically in Lesotho and Botswana.
Why is Prince Harry being sued?
The charity alleges that Harry and Mark Dyer were the “architects” of a media campaign that spread false narratives and led to cyberbullying of the charity’s leadership.
When did Prince Harry leave the charity?
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso stepped down as patrons in March 2025.
As the case proceeds in the High Court, the outcome will likely determine the lasting impact of this dispute on the reputation of both the Duke of Sussex and the organization he helped build to honor his mother.