Prince Harry has resigned as patron of Sentebale leaving him “sad” and “angry”, according to royal experts.
The Duke of Sussex stepped down from the African charity, that he founded in 2006, amid what has been described as a “bitter boardroom battle”.
In a joint statement with co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Harry spoke of his “heavy heart” and shock at the situation.
The charity was established to help young people and children in southern Africa, particularly those living with HIV and Aids.
Prince Harry has resigned as patron of Sentebale leaving him ‘sad’ and ‘angry’, according to royal experts
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The chairwoman of the charity appeared to criticise Harry for “playing the victim card” following his departure.
She also alleged there had been “poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir”.
Harry backed the departing trustees, who had also left the charity in the dispute.
The Charity Commission confirmed it was “aware of concerns about the governance” of Sentebale.
The commission said in a statement: “We are assessing the issues to determine the appropriate regulatory steps.”
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward told the Mirror that Harry will be devastated by the situation.
She said: “It is particularly crushing for him as it was done in her memory. He will be a sad and angry man today.”
The charity holds special significance for Harry as it was established in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana.
Seward believes this won’t mark the end of Harry’s charitable efforts in Africa, adding “Diana’s memory is too precious for Harry to ever give up.”
Harry spent two months in Lesotho during his gap year when he was 19 in 2004, which inspired him to establish the charity two years later.
During this time, he encountered Aids orphans and traumatised young people, as well as herd boys living in harsh conditions in remote mountain areas.
As recently as October last year, Harry visited Lesotho where he spoke to young people around a campfire about the “massive difference” Sentebale was making.