Local chief claims Duke's absence has 'killed the spirit' of beloved Sentebale organization
Prince Harry is facing criticism from a senior figure in Lesotho, who claims the Duke of Sussex has lost interest in the charity he once held dear.
Chief Khoabane Theko, brother of Prince Seeiso—co-founder of Sentebale—told The Telegraph he was disheartened by Harry’s apparent disengagement from the charity in recent years, especially following his marriage to Meghan Markle.
The chief revealed he was “perturbed” that the couple had taken trips to Africa without visiting Lesotho, despite the nation’s significance to the Duke. Although Harry returned to Lesotho in October 2024, it marked his first visit in six years. Between 2010 and 2015, he had made four trips.
“He was very passionate in the beginning—speaking about his mother’s legacy and her love for Africa,” said Chief Theko. “But his loss of interest has totally killed the spirit of Sentebale’s survival.”
Harry and Prince Seeiso resigned from Sentebale last month amid internal board disputes, citing the leadership of chair Dr Sophie Chandauka as “untenable.”
Theko, who has not seen Harry since his wedding, said the Duke’s previous openness had made him a “loved figure,” but his retreat from active involvement had cast doubt over the charity’s future.
