Prince Harry Faces Defamation Lawsuit from Sentebale Charity He Co-Founded
In a significant legal development, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is being sued for defamation by the Sentebale charity, which he co-founded nearly two decades ago. According to official High Court records, Harry is named as a defendant in a libel or slander claim, alongside fellow trustee Mark Dyer, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing tensions between the royal and the organization.
Legal Proceedings and Background
Court filings reveal that the claim was originally filed on March 24, though no documents are currently accessible to the public. This lawsuit comes after a very public falling-out between Prince Harry and Sentebale's board chair, Sophie Chandauka, which culminated in Harry stepping down as patron of the charity in March 2025. Sentebale was established by Harry in 2006 with the mission of supporting young people living with HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana, making this legal action particularly poignant given his long-standing dedication to the cause.
Charity Commission Involvement and Findings
The Charity Commission subsequently conducted an investigation into the dispute, releasing a report that condemned all parties involved for making their disagreements public through interviews and statements. The regulator censured everyone for allowing the row to unfold in the public eye, describing how all trustees contributed to a "missed opportunity" to resolve the underlying issues. This public spectacle risked eroding broader public confidence in charities, according to the commission's assessment.
While the commission found no evidence of systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny, or misogynoir within Sentebale, it acknowledged "the strong perception of ill treatment" experienced by some individuals involved. Importantly, the regulator clarified that it holds no power to investigate individual allegations of bullying, and therefore did not make any findings specific to Prince Harry or other individuals. After its regulatory compliance case, the commission issued a Regulatory Action Plan, with Sentebale confirming it had complied by implementing measures such as an internal dispute policy and improved complaints procedures.
Reactions and Statements
A source close to the situation revealed in August 2025 that Prince Harry had been left emotionally devastated by the turn of events, following 19 years of dedicated work with the charity. Meanwhile, trustees who resigned expressed grave concerns for Sentebale's future, stating they were "disheartened" by the regulator's approach, which they felt ignored key evidence regarding the charity's leadership and oversight.
In response, Sentebale issued a statement emphasizing that the Charity Commission is not responsible for adjudicating internal disputes, including individual allegations of misconduct. The charity noted that such issues "can and may be dealt with through avenues more appropriate than the commission," potentially alluding to the ongoing legal proceedings. This defamation lawsuit represents a new chapter in the saga, as both parties navigate the complexities of charity governance and personal reputations in the public eye.
