Prince Harry is facing mounting backlash as his legal dispute with a charity he co-founded in Africa escalates. The Duke of Sussex has been hit with a defamation lawsuit from Sentebale, the organization he launched alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
However, critics have also latched onto claims from a source close to the British royal suggesting the charity may be using funds intended for its mission to bankroll legal action against him.
Harry and Seeiso stepped down from their roles as patrons last year following a leadership dispute involving chairwoman Dr. Sophie Chandauka.
Sentebale Sues Prince Harry For Defamation
Sentebale, the charity outfit Harry founded to support children and young people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa, has filed a formal lawsuit against its co-founder.
Court records show the organization, led by chairwoman Dr. Chandauka, lodged a defamation case in March at a London high court against the Duke of Sussex and Mark Dyer, a former trustee of the charity.
According to Sky News, the non-profit claims it suffered reputational damage following what it describes as a “coordinated campaign” allegedly carried out by Dyer and his royal counterpart.
In a statement, the outfit’s board of trustees and executive director said, “The charity seeks the court’s intervention, protection and restitution following a coordinated adverse media campaign conducted since March 25, 2025 that has caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the charity, its leadership and its strategic partners.”
Harry’s Camp Rejects Lawsuit Claims
Harry and Dyer have yet to publicly weigh in on the lawsuit, but a source close to the pair has pushed back strongly against the allegations.
“As Sentebale’s co-founder and a founding trustee, they categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims,” the spokesperson told ITV News.
The source also questioned the charity’s decision to pursue legal action, suggesting it was a misuse of resources.
“It is extraordinary that charitable funds are now being used to pursue legal action against the very people who built and supported the organisation for nearly two decades, rather than being directed to the communities the charity was created to serve,” they added.
Fans Push Back On Prince Harry’s Claims
Online reactions to the unfolding legal drama have been swift, with several critics particularly taking issue with claims that Sentebale may be using charitable funds to finance the lawsuit.
Some argued that the Duke of Sussex, who is no longer involved with the organization, is not in a position to comment on how the case is being funded.
“It must be hard for Harry to suddenly be on the receiving end of what he’s more than willing to dish out,” one Reddit user wrote, adding that he may have underestimated Dr. Chandauka.
Another commenter questioned the Duke’s standing in the matter: “Since Harry isn’t part of Sentebale anymore, he has no place commenting on how a lawsuit is being funded. He isn’t even a current donor to Sentebale that would have a stake in knowing.”
Sentebale Internal Crisis Played Out Publicly
The legal battle follows a turbulent period within Sentebale that ultimately led to Harry’s exit, and that of several other key figures tied to the organization.
The fallout reportedly began around 2024, when the charity shifted its strategy and moved more of its fundraising operations to Africa to prioritize local leadership. Around that time, Chandauka was appointed chair of the board, but that did not sit well with several trustees, per The Guardian.
Tensions quickly escalated, with multiple board members, including Harry and Dyer, reportedly calling for her to step down. She refused.
Prince Harry And His Lesotho Counterpart Stepped Down
The deepening rift eventually led to Harry and Seeiso’s departure from their roles as patrons.
In a joint statement released in March last year, the pair described the situation as “untenable,” pointing to a complete breakdown in the relationship between the board of trustees and Dr. Chandauka.
“With heavy hearts, we have resigned… in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same,” the statement read.
The princes went on to express shock over the turn of events, adding that they still maintained concern for the beneficiaries of the charity.
“What’s transpired is unthinkable… But we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries.”