Sentebale, the HIV/AIDS charity that Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho founded together in 2006, has recently revealed some dramatic changes in how they will operate. Perhaps most significantly, the charity has cancelled its annual polo match. At the same time, the organization is continuing to face persistent fiscal challenges. It has lost money every year since 2017 and as a result, must trim £1 million annually. The organization works with children and young people in Africa. It intends to distance itself from the “celebrity-funded model” to expand its donor pool and become less dependent on just a few well-known figures for money.
Since the first match was played in 2010, the polo match has been the organization’s signature fundraising event. It brought in record-breaking donations from high-net-worth individuals and friends of Prince Harry—most notably the notable polo player Nacho Figueras. Sentebale’s leadership believes that the pressure surrounding these events may obscure deeper structural weaknesses within the charity’s financial model.
Leadership Shake-Up
In recent months, Sentebale leadership changes have made it even harder for the troubled charity to serve. In addition to Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, many other long-time trustees have stepped down from their roles. They pointed to chairwoman Sophie Chandauka’s “almost dictatorial” management style as one of the most important reasons for their departure. In March, they came together to release a joint statement on their “heavy hearts.” Note, too, that they stressed their resignation was in “solidarity with the board of trustees.” They recognized that at least the board members had done what they thought was in the best interest of the charity.
Following this leadership transition, Sentebale has implemented a new “code of conduct,” aimed at clearly defining acceptable behavior for trustees. The charity’s board is now focusing on rebuilding trust and fostering a more collaborative environment as it navigates these challenges.
“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.” – Sentebale Trustees
Financial Strategy and Future Plans
In keeping with its rebranding initiatives in advance of its 20 th anniversary next year, Sentebale is taking a critical look at how it raises money. The organization has accepted that their former model of heavy dependence on a small but loyal donor base is no longer viable.
Iain Rawlinson, a spokesperson for Sentebale, commented on the implications of discontinuing the polo match:
“The reason for [dropping it] is it puts quite a lot of pressure on individuals, and it can mask structural weakness in the financial model of the charity.”
Rawlinson noted that polo tournaments typically bring out the philanthropic spirit among patrons. He emphasized these events are not the key to the charity’s long-term health and sustainability.
Much has changed at Sentebale in the past year. In July, they announced massive layoffs of their London employees and closed the office just last August. The organization’s leaders and supporters persist in their efforts to find new sources of funding and sustainability for operation.
A Commitment to Change
Through all the hardships, one thing that hasn’t changed is Prince Harry’s dedication to helping Sentebale. He recently invested another £1.2 million of his own money from the proceeds of his memoir, “Spare,” showing just how committed he is to the cause. As the charity looks ahead to a new chapter, it is redefining its approach. It unequivocally stands behind our ongoing work to unlock vital, life-saving support for young people affected by HIV/AIDS across Africa.
