Prince Harry’s row with a charity he cofounded which is now suing him has been laid bare in a bombshell letter. The Duke of Sussex and former trustee, Mark Dyer, are being sued for defamation by charity, Sentebale, over allegations he co-ordinated an “adverse media campaign” which caused it “operational disruption and reputational harm”.
Harry and Mr Dyer issued a statement on Friday in which they categorically rejected the “offensive and damaging claims”. It was reported on Monday (April 13) that the letter shows former trustees of the charity accused its chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, of misconduct, intimidation and putting Sentebale’s future at risk.
The resignation letter, which has not been seen by the Express, is reported by The Times as stating that the trustees “unanimously decided to resign” amid “significant concerns” over Dr Chandauka’s conduct.
They alleged there had been a breakdown in relations between trustees, staff and funders, claiming her period in the role had had an “adverse effect” on Sentebale.
The letter also reportedly alleges that seeking a High Court injunction to block a board meeting at which trustees planned to vote on her remaining in post amounted to “damning evidence” of her failing to put the charity’s “best interests first”.
According to The Times, the trustees added: “This attack from within threatens to destroy Sentebale for good”.
At the time of the trustees’ resignations, Dr Chandauka dismissed their account and described Harry’s handling of his departure to Sky News as “harassment and bullying at scale”.
She also took issue with how the news was publicised without her prior knowledge.
Sentebale said in a statement to The Times: “This matter is subject to active legal proceedings. It would therefore be inappropriate to comment on any aspect or share documents that are not in the public domain.
“We can confirm that Sentebale is acting in accordance with its legal and regulatory duties, including proper governance and oversight. The charity has been in full dialogue with the Charity Commission for months, including in advance of filing this claim.”
Founders Harry and Prince Seeiso had stepped down as the charity’s patrons in support of a group of trustees.
The Charity Commission subsequently published a report into the episode, criticising all parties in the dispute for allowing it to play out publicly.
It described how all trustees contributed to a “missed opportunity” to resolve the issues which led to the serious disagreement that risked undermining public trust in charities generally.
The regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity, but acknowledged “the strong perception of ill treatment” felt by some involved.
A source said in August 2025 that Harry had been left emotionally devastated by the events, after 19 years of working with the charity.
Sentebale was founded in 2006 in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. It helps vulnerable children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana.
The Express has contacted Sentebale and Prince Harry‘s representatives for comment.
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