Prince Harry defamation claim paused as charity faces financial strain

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 16:07 · Archive

Sentebale has paused its defamation claim against Prince Harry after the charity saw a 20 per cent drop in income.

Sentebale, co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006, has paused its High Court defamation claim against the Duke of Sussex. The charity had accused him of coordinating an 'adverse media campaign' that caused 'operational disruption and reputational harm' after he resigned in 2025.

Harry signalled his intention to clear his name and was prepared to go to trial, which could have left the charity liable for legal costs on both sides if unsuccessful. Sentebale decided to stall the action amid fears a loss could force the charity to fold.

Sentebale's financial accounts show a marked decline since the dispute. Income dropped from £2.3 million in 2024 (over a 16-month period) to £2 million in 2025 (over 12 months). Event income fell sharply from £715,000 to £70,000, reflecting the end of Harry's polo tournaments for the charity. Gifts in kind dropped from £321,000 to £41,000, though donations rose by £50,000 to £342,000. Net assets fell from £567,000 to £250,000, and general reserves moved into a £10,000 deficit.

How it is being reported

• Sentebale charity ‘pauses defamation claims against Prince Harry’ amid financial strainThe charity has seen a drop in income since the Duke of Sussex resigned from his role in 2025The Independent · 19 Oct, 15:52
• Prince Harry defamation claim lodged by Sentebale is paused amid charity's financial woesThe Duke of Sussex was sued by Sentebale over allegations he co-ordinated an 'adverse media campaign' against the charity, causing 'operational disruption and reputational harm'.Daily Mail · 19 Oct, 10:22

In this story: Prince Harry · Prince Seeiso of Lesotho · Sentebale · Dr Sophie Chandauka · Mark Dyer · Botswana · Lesotho

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