Prince Harry faces defamation lawsuit from Sentebale charity

Prince Harry is facing a defamation lawsuit from Sentebale, the organization he co-founded, marking a new chapter in an ongoing dispute over the charity’s management, according to BBC News.

According to reports, the legal claim—filed on March 24—names Prince Harry and former trustee Mark Dyer as defendants in a case involving alleged libel and slander. Sentebale representatives argue that an “adverse media campaign” linked to the dispute has caused reputational harm and disrupted the charity’s operations.

In response, spokespersons for Prince Harry and Dyer have strongly denied the allegations, describing them as “offensive and damaging.” They also suggested the charity should prioritize its humanitarian mission rather than pursue legal action.

The lawsuit follows Prince Harry’s departure from Sentebale in 2025, alongside co-founder Prince Seeiso and several trustees, after a contentious internal conflict. The dispute reportedly involved disagreements over finances, fundraising strategies, and governance, particularly with chair Sophie Chandauka.

The situation drew scrutiny from the Charity Commission, which later concluded that responsibility for the conflict lay on all sides. The regulator criticized the public nature of the dispute, warning that it risked overshadowing the charity’s work and damaging its reputation.

Founded in 2006 in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales, Sentebale focuses on supporting vulnerable young people in southern Africa, particularly those affected by HIV and AIDS. Prince Harry has remained closely associated with the charity’s mission, even donating £1.2 million from his memoir Spare.

The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for both the charity’s future and Prince Harry’s public profile.