The unexpected turn of the Duke of Sussex
Sentebale, the organization Prince Harry co-founded two decades ago in memory of his mother, Princess Diana, has filed a lawsuit against him. The High Court in London heard the case last month for alleged written or verbal defamation.
The duke goes from plaintiff to defendant. For years he was the one who took the British tabloids to court. Now the foundation he helped create places him on the bench.
“The charity requests the court’s intervention, protection and restitution following a coordinated adverse media campaign,” Sentebale explained in a statement.
A spokesperson for Harry and his former trustee Mark Dyer responded quickly: They both “categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims.”
The disagreements that led to the conflict
The problems began to become public in 2023. Everything revolved around a new strategy to raise funds. Tension escalated until both Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho resigned as patrons in March 2025.
At the time, both founders said the relationship with the board and its chair, Sophie Chandauka, was “irreparable”. Chandauka then accused the duke of orchestrating a campaign to force his ouster.
The Charities Commission investigated and criticized both sides for airing the conflict. David Holdsworth, executive director of the commission, was clear:
“Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, allowing a damaging dispute to damage reputation.”
While Enrique’s spokesperson questioned that report, Chandauka celebrated it. The foundation created to honor Diana’s legacy against HIV stigma is now facing its own founders in court.
