Prince Harry Sued for Defamation by Charity Sentebale He Co-Founded

Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Prince Harry, has filed a defamation lawsuit against him and former trustee Mark Dyer in London. This legal action follows disagreements over the charity's management and alleged negative media campaigns.
By Newsroom | Law, Charities |

Sentebale, an African charity focused on young people affected by HIV, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Prince Harry and Mark Dyer, a former trustee. The legal action, lodged in London's High Court, stems from an acrimonious dispute following Harry's departure as patron last year.

The charity claims an alleged "adverse media campaign," orchestrated by Harry and Dyer, has caused significant disruption and "reputational harm." Sentebale's board and executive director stated that the legal action was deemed necessary to counter the viral impact of this campaign, which they allege triggered cyber-bullying against the organization and its leadership.

The lawsuit names both Prince Harry and Mark Dyer as defendants in a claim listed as "defamation - libel and slander." While representatives for Prince Harry and Mark Dyer have not yet responded to requests for comment, court filings viewed Friday confirm the legal proceedings initiated last month.

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A Dispute Over Governance and Public Spat

The rift within Sentebale appears to have widened following disagreements over the charity's management and fundraising strategies, particularly a new approach in the United States. Reports suggest arguments over financial matters also inflamed divisions.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales investigated the dispute. While the commission found no evidence of widespread bullying or misogyny, it did criticize both parties for allowing the conflict to spill into the public domain, thereby damaging the organization's reputation.

Harry's spokesperson had previously criticized the findings of a commission report, a stance contrasted by the charity's chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who welcomed it. Chandauka has also accused Harry of orchestrating a campaign of bullying and harassment to force her out. Conversely, she has been described as someone who "dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir – and the coverup that ensued."

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Sentebale, which means 'forget-me-not' in Sesotho, was co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honor of Princess Diana. Harry and Prince Seeiso, along with a group of trustees, stepped down in March 2025, citing a breakdown in relationships with the board chair that created an "untenable situation."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the charity Sentebale sue Prince Harry?
Sentebale filed a defamation lawsuit against Prince Harry and Mark Dyer in London's High Court. The charity claims an alleged 'adverse media campaign' orchestrated by them caused significant disruption and reputational harm.
Q: What is the main reason for the dispute between Prince Harry and Sentebale?
The rift seems to be over disagreements about the charity's management and fundraising strategies, especially a new approach in the United States. Arguments over financial matters also reportedly played a role.
Q: What did the Charity Commission find about the Sentebale dispute?
The Charity Commission investigated but found no widespread bullying. However, it criticized both Prince Harry and the charity's board for letting the conflict become public, which damaged the organization's reputation.
Q: Who else is named in the defamation lawsuit against Prince Harry?
Mark Dyer, a former trustee of Sentebale, is also named as a defendant in the defamation lawsuit filed in London's High Court.
Q: When did Prince Harry step down from Sentebale?
Prince Harry, along with Prince Seeiso and other trustees, stepped down as patrons and trustees in March 2025 due to a breakdown in relationships with the board chair.