Prince Harry has sensationally quit as patron of the African charity he kickstarted in 2006 in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, said he is devastated and “in shock” to step down as patron of Sentebale — the youth-focused organization he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
Harry said he was forced to step down amid the ongoing unrest behind closed doors between the board of trustees and the charity’s chairwoman, Dr. Sophie Chandauka.
In a joint statement with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, the former working royal said the duo established the organization “in honor of our mothers.”
“With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organization until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same,” they said.
“It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation.”
While specifics of the situation are unknown, it is believed that Harry quit over a decision to focus fundraising in Africa.
“What’s transpired is unthinkable,” the pair’s statement said.
“We are in shock that we have to do this, but we have a continued responsibility to Sentebale’s beneficiaries, so we will be sharing all of our concerns with the Charity Commission as to how this came about.”
The duke founded his charity, which translates to “forget me not,” to honor his late mother, whose favorite flowers were forget-me-nots. The charity helps disadvantaged children.
Harry’s shock departure comes just months after Richard Miller quit his post as Sentebale’s CEO after five years.
