Sentebale charity has been hit by another trustee resignation, leaving the organisation with just the minimum recommended number of board members via GB News.
Nerissa Naidu recently stepped down just weeks after being appointed on March 25th. This latest exit comes after Prince Harry’s own exit amid an escalating boardroom dispute with the charity’s chief executive, Dr Sophie Chandauka.
The Duke of Sussex co-founded the charity in 2006 to help orphaned African children. The charity operates with only three trustees: Iain Rawlinson, Dr Bhakti Hansoti and Dr Chandauka.
Sentebale means “forget me not” in Sesotho and it was established by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006.
The charity was founded in honour of Prince Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Its mission focuses on helping young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids.
Both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso have since stepped down as patrons of the organisation. The charity has also faced significant internal turmoil in recent months.
The original dispute centred on a boardroom battle that saw several trustees leave following a conflict with Dr Chandauka. In March, Prince Harry had accused Sentebale’s chief executive of telling “blatant lies”.
The Charity Commission has also opened a case into “concerns raised” regarding the organisation. Ms Chandauka has alleged the duke tried to “eject” her through “bullying” and “harassment”.
Reports noted that Harry sent an “unpleasant” and “imperious” message to Ms Chandauka as she refused to address rumours of a rift with Meghan.
The Telegraph claimed a member of Harry’s team had asked Ms Chandauka to issue a statement quashing speculation about tensions with the Duchess of Sussex.
When she declined, the duke reportedly contacted her directly, demanding she “explain herself”.
Tensions escalated during a Sentebale fundraising polo match in Miami in April 2024.
