Prince Harry Sued for Libel by Co-Founded Charity Sentebale
Prince Harry is facing a legal battle with the incredibly organization he helped establish to honor his mother. Sentebale, the African charity co-founded by the Duke of Sussex, has filed a defamation lawsuit against him and a close associate at London’s High Court.
- Sentebale has filed a libel/defamation claim against Prince Harry and Mark Dyer.
- The lawsuit follows a high-profile dispute that led to Harry’s resignation as patron in March 2025.
- The charity alleges a “coordinated adverse media campaign” has caused reputational and operational harm.
- The dispute centers on a conflict between the board of trustees and the charity’s chair, Sophie Chandauka.
The Origins of Sentebale
Established in 2006, Sentebale—which means “forget-me-not” in the Sesotho language—was co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The charity was created nine years after the death of Princess Diana to support young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Botswana and Lesotho.
A Breakdown in Leadership
The legal action is the culmination of a public falling-out between Prince Harry and the charity’s chair, Sophie Chandauka. In March 2025, Prince Harry resigned as a patron of the organization. He was joined in his departure by co-founder Prince Seeiso and the charity’s board of trustees.
According to a joint statement, the princes resigned in “support of and solidarity” with the trustees, who had requested that Chandauka step down. Harry described the breakdown in his relationship with Chandauka as “devastating.”
Allegations of Bullying and Governance Issues
The conflict escalated when Sophie Chandauka reported Prince Harry and the trustees to Britain’s Charity Commission, alleging bullying and harassment. Following a review, the Charity Commission stated it found no evidence of bullying. However, the commission did identify weaknesses in the organization’s governance and criticized all involved parties for allowing the internal conflict to become public.
Details of the Defamation Lawsuit
In March 2026, Sentebale lodged a defamation claim at the High Court in London against Prince Harry and Mark Dyer, a former trustee and longtime friend of the prince. While the specific defamatory statements have not been disclosed in court filings, the charity has stated that it seeks “protection, and restitution” following a “coordinated adverse media campaign” that began on March 25, 2025.
The charity claims this campaign has caused significant reputational harm to its leadership, strategic partners, and overall operations. This puts the Duke of Sussex in a rare position as a defendant, as he has spent recent years acting as a claimant in various privacy and phone-hacking lawsuits against British tabloids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sentebale?
Sentebale is a charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 to provide support for children and young people living with HIV and AIDS in Africa.
Why is Prince Harry being sued?
The charity is suing for libel/defamation, alleging that a coordinated media campaign involving Harry has caused operational disruption and damaged the organization’s reputation.
Who else is named in the lawsuit?
Mark Dyer, a former trustee and close friend of Prince Harry, is also named as a defendant in the High Court claim.
Looking Ahead
As the case proceeds in London’s High Court, the outcome will likely depend on the specific evidence regarding the “adverse media campaign” cited by Sentebale. With both the Charity Commission’s previous findings on governance and the ongoing legal dispute, the future leadership and stability of the organization remain under scrutiny.
Worth a look