Prince Harry reportedly became “disinterested” in his Africa-based charity Sentebale following his marriage to Meghan Markle and move to the United States.
The Duke of Sussex’s apparent withdrawal is said to have “killed the spirit” of the organisation, which he co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana.
The claims come amid suggestions that Harry’s involvement dwindled significantly after his 2018 wedding and the couple’s relocation to North America two years later.
The pair made the “truly heartbroken” decision last month to resign as patrons from the charity — which supports Lesotho's vulnerable youth — following a string of allegations from former chairman Dr Sophie Chandauka.
The Zimbabwean-born lawyer accused the estranged royal of staging a “cover-up” of an investigation into wrongdoing at Sentebale and sending an “unpleasant” message for failing to defend Meghan in public.
Harry last visited Lesotho in southern Africa in October 2024 — his first in six years.
Harry’s a loved figure, but his loss of interest has totally killed the spirit of the Sentebale
He had previously visited more frequently, making four trips between 2010 and 2015.
Chief Khoabane Theko, who claims to be Prince Seeiso's brother, said he was “perturbed” when Harry and Meghan failed to visit Lesotho when on holiday in Africa.
Arguing the Duke could have visited Lesotho “more often”, he told The Telegraph: 'When (Sentebale) was launched, I remember his words quite vividly, because he was very strong in saying ‘my mother, this place, her passion about Africa’ and all that.”
The chief, who was unaware Harry had visited Lesotho twice since his marriage seven years ago, added: “He's a loved figure because of his openness, but his loss of interest has totally killed the spirit of the Sentebale's survival.”
Harry has accused Dr Chandauka of telling “blatant lies” after the Charity Commision launched an investigation into “concerns” about how Sentebale has been run.
Since the resignations, Dr Chandauka has called the Sussexes' brand “toxic” and accused Harry of “harassment and bullying at scale” – a claim he fervently denied.
In a statement, Harry said he believes the truth about their deepening rift will be “unveiled”.
He said: “What has transpired over the last week has been heartbreaking to witness, especially when such blatant lies hurt those who have invested decades in this shared goal.
“No one suffers more than the beneficiaries of Sentebale itself.”
