Kamal Ghorui
Prince Harry is facing a defamation lawsuit filed by Sentebale, the charity he co-founded, with the organisation alleging an “adverse media campaign” that caused reputational damage and disruption to its work.The case has been lodged at the High Court in London, where the Duke of Sussex has been named as a defendant alongside former trustee Mark Dyer. Court records list the claim, filed on March 24, under “defamation – libel and slander”.
Allegations of ‘reputational harm’
In a statement, Sentebale said the legal action seeks the court’s “intervention, protection, and restitution” against what it described as coordinated media attacks.The charity alleged that the campaign led to “false narratives” being circulated, damaging its reputation, straining relationships with partners, and diverting leadership resources. It also claimed the fallout triggered cyberbullying targeting its leadership.Sentebale added that legal costs for the case are being covered entirely through external funding, with no charitable funds being used.
Background of internal dispute
The lawsuit follows a bitter leadership dispute within the organisation that led Prince Harry to step down from his role in 2025. The disagreement reportedly centred on governance issues and tensions between the board of trustees and chair Sophie Chandauka.Prince Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho had resigned along with several trustees, citing an “untenable situation” after relations with the chair broke down.The dispute had drawn scrutiny from the UK’s Charity Commission, which later criticised all parties for allowing internal conflicts to play out publicly, while noting governance and management shortcomings.
Others named, no response yet
Former trustee Mark Dyer has also been named in the lawsuit. Representatives for Prince Harry and Dyer have not publicly responded to the allegations so far.The legal complaint is part of a broader series of high-profile legal battles involving Prince Harry in recent years, including cases against media organisations and the UK government.
About Sentebale
Founded in 2006 by Prince Harry in honour of his mother, Princess Diana, Sentebale works with vulnerable children and young people in southern Africa, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS.The case is expected to proceed through the UK legal system, with further hearings likely to determine the merits of the defamation claims.
