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A charity founded by Britain's Prince in tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, has taken legal action against him, marking a dramatic turn in an already strained relationship. The case centres on allegations of reputational harm, with the Duke firmly denying the claims and pushing back against what his team describes as damaging accusations.

Legal Action Filed Against Prince Harry

The organisation, Sentebale, initiated proceedings at the High Court in London on March 24, categorising the case under defamation, including libel and slander. Alongside Prince Harry, Mark Dyer, once a trustee of the charity, has also been named in the filings.

In its statement, Sentebale alleged that the legal move follows a coordinated negative media campaign that has disrupted operations and harmed its public image. The charity claimed the situation led to widespread online backlash targeting its leadership.

Responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for Prince Harry and Mark Dyer said, "As Sentebale's co-founder and a founding trustee, they categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims."

The statement further criticised the use of charitable funds for legal proceedings, suggesting those resources should instead benefit the communities the organisation was created to support.

A Charity Built On Legacy

Prince Harry co-founded Sentebale in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, with the aim of supporting young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and later Botswana. The charity’s name, meaning “forget me not” in Sesotho, serves as a poignant tribute to Princess Diana, who died in 1997.

However, tensions within the organisation have been building. In 2025, the charity’s chairperson Sophie Chandauka accused Harry of attempting to force her resignation, sparking a highly public dispute.

Governance Concerns And Resignations

The situation escalated when trustees stepped down after Chandauka refused calls to resign. Subsequently, both Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso announced their departure from the organisation.

An investigation by the UK’s Charity Commission later highlighted issues of mismanagement within the charity. It pointed to unclear delegation structures and administrative shortcomings but found no evidence supporting allegations of systemic bullying or harassment.

The Commission also criticised all parties involved for allowing the dispute to unfold publicly, noting that the conflict had significantly damaged the charity’s reputation.

Controversy Surrounding Public Appearances

Further tensions arose over decisions related to public events. Chandauka reportedly objected to the presence of a Netflix camera crew at a 2024 fundraiser, as well as an unplanned appearance by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

These disagreements added to the growing friction within the organisation, turning what began as a philanthropic mission into a high-profile dispute.

A Deepening Rift With Wider Implications

The lawsuit represents another challenge for Prince Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to North America with his family. Despite retaining a limited number of charitable associations, including Sentebale, this latest development underscores the complexities surrounding his philanthropic legacy.