Prince Harry ‘lost interest’ in Sentebale after marrying Meghan & ‘killed charity’s spirit’, claims co-founder’s brother
PRINCE Harry lost interest in his African charity Sentebale after marrying Meghan Markle and moving to the US, it has been claimed.
The Duke of Sussex's lack of love for the organisation "killed the spirit" of the charity, following his marriage in 2018 and international move two years later.
Prince Harry and his charity co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho sensationally quit the charity last month after siding with furious trustees against board chair Sophie Chandauka, claiming her leadership was "untenable".
The shocking new claims over Harry's loss of interest have been made by Prince Seeiso's brother, Chief Khoabane Theko.
He told The Telegraph: "When [Sentebale] was launched, I remember his words quite vividly, because he was very strong in saying ‘my mother, this place, her passion about Africa’ and all that.
"He’s a loved figure because of his openness, but his loss of interest has totally killed the spirit of the Sentebale’s survival."
The Duke of Sussex, 40, had set the African charity up in 2006 in memory of his mum, Princess Diana, along with his pal Prince Seeiso.
Chief Theko also said he was "perturbed" that the Duke and Duchess would take holidays in Africa but failed to visit Lesotho.
Harry last visited the country in October 2024, and this was the first time he had gone in six years.
He had previously visited more frequently, making four trips between June 2010 and the end of 2015.
Chief Theko was, however, not aware that the Duke of Sussex had visited Lesotho twice since his marriage.
The row over Sentebale erupted in March after Chandauka accused the charity's board of harassment, bullying, and misogynoir.
A Sentebale spokesman said: “This is a particularly difficult time to have joined the organisation, given the unexpected sustained and intrusive media attention.
“She has chosen to step down out of respect for her family and other professional commitments, which we fully understand, respect and support. We deeply appreciate her interest in Sentebale over a long period of time and look forward to staying in touch.”
In a joint statement, princes Harry and Seeiso said: "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."
They added: "What’s transpired is unthinkable. We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries, so we will be sharing all of our concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about."
