In a shocking twist for Prince Harry's charity, Sentebale, insiders reveal deep financial concerns and bitter disagreements surrounding the organization. The escalating conflict has led to the resignation of key figures, including Prince Harry himself and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, along with several trustees. This turmoil, sparked by clashes over leadership and fundraising strategies, has left the charity in a precarious position.

According to sources close to former trustees speaking to BBC News, the financial anxieties persist despite Sentebale receiving a significant £1.2 million boost from Prince Harry's bestselling memoir, "Spare." This one-time influx, while hailed as "incredibly useful," does not signify a stable, ongoing source of funding for the organization, which focuses on supporting young people in southern Africa affected by HIV and Aids.

The UK Charity Commission is now set to scrutinize these tumultuous events, potentially launching a full statutory inquiry in response to the claims made by resigning trustees. Tension escalated when chair Sophie Chandauka refused to step down, leading to further rifts within the charity.

In their resignation statement, former trustees lamented the irreparable breakdown of trust between themselves and Chandauka, remarking, "It is devastating that the relationship... broke down beyond repair." Allegations have surfaced indicating that around £500,000 was allegedly spent on consultants hired to develop a fundraising strategy focused on affluent donors in the US—a strategy insiders claim has not produced the expected results.

Had this US fundraising plan succeeded, many believe the charity might have avoided the current crisis. In an effort to adapt, Sentebale has brought on board a US consultancy firm, Lebec, to help cultivate relationships with potential donors. They assert that by October 2024, six consultants have established 65 connections with high-net-worth individuals, thus working towards a more sustainable funding model.

This pivot to an emphasis on larger donors contrasts sharply with earlier fundraising approaches centering on celebrity events and polo matches, which have become synonymous with Prince Harry's philanthropic image. The charity was established in 2006, drawing emotional ties to Harry’s memories of his mother, Princess Diana.

The fallout from these leadership disputes has revealed deepening fractures, with accusations flying in both directions. Chandauka has claimed that Harry's departure from the UK has hindered donor relationships, stating, "It was pretty obvious to me that we had lost quite a number of corporate sponsors." She also commented on an alleged incident involving the Duchess of Sussex at a fundraising polo match, suggesting that personal relationships were impacting the charity's objectives.

As discussions about the charity's future continue, the potential inquiry by the Charity Commission looms large. The governing body will gather evidence to assess Sentebale's management and determine whether there has been a breach of regulatory compliance, escalating to a statutory investigation if warranted.

In a statement reflecting on these events, a friend of Prince Harry expressed sentimentality regarding the drastic changes, stating he felt as if he had “had one of his fingers cut off.” The ongoing saga surrounding Sentebale underscores not just financial vulnerability but also the complex interplay of personal and professional dynamics involved in charitable operations.

As this story unfolds, it serves as a potent reminder of the challenges nonprofits face—especially when intertwined with public figures and personal rivalries. The future of Sentebale, rooted in the legacies of hope and action, remains uncertain as it navigates through this stormy chapter. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding situation.