Prince Harry is facing a defamation suit brought by Sentebale, a charity he co-founded, with the organization alleging a “hostile media campaign” that has damaged its reputation and disrupted its work.The case was taken to the High Court in London, where the Duke of Sussex was named as a defendant alongside former regent Mark Dyer. Court records list the lawsuit filed March 24 as “defamation – slander and slander.”
“Reputational damage” claims
Sentebale said in a statement that the legal action seeks the court’s “intervention, protection and compensation” against what she described as coordinated media attacks.The charity claimed that the campaign had led to the circulating of “false narratives”, damaging its reputation, straining relationships with partners and diverting leadership resources.
She also claimed the fallout led to cyberbullying targeting her leadership.Sentebel added that the legal costs of the case are being covered entirely through external funding, with no charitable funds used.
Background of internal conflict
The lawsuit comes in the wake of a bitter leadership dispute within the organization that has led to Prince Harry stepping down in 2025. The dispute reportedly centered on governance issues and tensions between the Board of Trustees and President Sophie Chandaoka.
Prince Harry and co-founder Prince Siso of Lesotho had resigned along with several trustees, citing an “untenable situation” after relations with the president collapsed.The dispute came under scrutiny by the UK Charity Commission, which later criticized all parties for allowing internal conflicts to play out publicly, citing shortcomings in governance and management.
Other names, no response yet
Former trustee Mark Dyer is also named in the lawsuit.
Representatives for Prince Harry and Dyer have not yet responded publicly to the allegations.The legal complaint is part of a broader series of high-profile legal battles in which Prince Harry has been involved in recent years, including cases against media organizations and the UK government.
About Centipal
Founded in 2006 by Prince Harry in honor of his mother, Princess Diana, Sentebale works with at-risk children and young people in southern Africa, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS.The case is expected to continue through the UK legal system, and additional hearings are likely to determine the merits of the libel claims.