Sentebale is suing Harry for defamation

[QueenOfHertz]

The boot is on the other foot. Hope he knows a good litigation lawyer.

https://variety.com/2026/biz/news/prince-harry-sued-defamation-charity-sentebale-1236714614/

Yeah- her CV is super impressive which is why the $500k on fundraising consultancy (which I dont believe is factually being disputed by either side) just gives me pause. I work in the sector and havent met anyone who can rationalise this because it's such a crazy sum for a charity of this size to spend on something that could have been achieved at a fraction of the price (deliverables outlined in annual report- effectively landscape analysis/ target identification/ warm intros). In fact a lot of it should have been apparent to SC without hiring a consultant (lack of brand awareness in US is a barrier - like no shit Sherlock)

The only credible explanation is that the finances were so critical when she was appointed (which it seems they might have been- polo thing hadn't been done for a few years, Harry not the draw he once was) that this was a "go hard or go home" last ditch attempt to save the charity.

But it does just open that fraction of doubt in my preferred "harry is a twatty grifter" preferred narrative

Tha annual reports also set out Sentabale’s position on that issue, AllJoyAndNoFun:

“Sources close to the former trustees told Sky News of their huge concerns about the thousands of pounds spent on consultancy work”.
“In relation to the consultancy fees, the charity said the charges were put to the board, which the [former] trustees deny…”
“But it was a disagreement over the charity’s fundraising strategy in the US and a £400,000 bill for consultancy fees that led the relationship to break down fully.”

SENTEBALE STATEMENT - This is false. The Charity Commission conducted detailed scrutiny of these matters as part of their regulatory compliance case and confirmed on 6 August 2025 that “In 2023, Sentebale’s then trustees sought to implement a new fundraising strategy in the United States.”

Board Approval and Transparency
Sentebale’s records demonstrate that the Board reviewed budget items relating to the transformation agenda, including costs for key advisers, through meetings held in September 2023, November 2023 and during 2024. Like many charities, Sentebale regularly utilises external expertise and self-employed professionals across various domains to meet organisational needs.

Three-Pronged Strategic Approach
The engagement with self-employed strategic advisers comprised three distinct
workstreams which made up “Project Pivot”:

1. Market Strategy and Lead Generation: Expert advice on how to competitively engage in the US philanthropic market and generate qualified leads.
2. Event Management and Convening: Project management and production of strategic convenings for these leads across different US locations.
3. Organisational Transformation: Expert assessment and implementation of

organisational changes to meet the rigorous due diligence standards required by US-based corporate foundations, family offices and individual donors, ensuring Sentebale could withstand the intensive scrutiny these funding sources demand.

Strategic Advice, Measurable Results and Return on Investment
The strategic advisers, formally contracted from November 2023 with full knowledge of patrons, Board, CEO and COO, delivered substantial measurable results during the initial phases of implementing the transformation agenda:
• 65 key connections with potential partners and funders.
• 37 new prospective funders (58% of all connections).
• Two successful convening events in Miami and South Africa bringing together leading development organisations and potential financial partners.
• Million dollar opportunities in final stages, including a US$5 million grant from a
Fortune Global 500 foundation and a US$500,000 partnership with an innovative education company.
The charity secured an intellectual property partnership in early 2024 that yielded US$250,000 in April 2024, covering the majority of the Project Pivot costs.

Wow that document is really eye opening! There’s going to be absolute fireworks on this one. Harry is going to find out the very definition of FAFO.

The "successful convening event" in South Africa would be the one where H was telling the donors to give their money to/via Travalyst and Archewell instead. What a Prince!

I know, I’ve read them and posted the link here.

i was responding to another poster when talking about the Trustee salary issue.

Harry’s team made the original claim, which if this case reaches court (which I don’t think it will), I presume they will have to produce solid evidence to support it. “We made it up to discredit the Chair” is unlikely to cut the mustard.

An unforeseen default by a third party to an intellectual property financing agreement entered into by a related party for the benefit of the charity on 10 April 2024 under which US$250,000 was paid in April 2024 and US$750,000 due in December 2024 remains unpaid;

The above is from page 43 of the financial report; it will be interesting to find out who still owes them $750,000 👀

Is this where he can cream off 95 percent of the donation and put it down to “expenses” and only give Sentebale 5 percent, isn’t that actual theft?

I believe it is legal. Is where all the Archewll money went, IMHO.

Typomedits

At an event for Sentabale - unbelievable! And neither of those orgs are charities.

What I should have said if Harry asked potential donors to donate to his own charity instead rather than Sentebale, is that theft/fraud if he is supposed to be acting in the best interests of Sentebale? so for example if a donor was going to give £100k to Sentebale but Harry persuaded them to donate money to Archewell instead that is literally taking the majority of that money away from Sentebale, wouldn’t Harry have to make it known to the donor that all their donation wouldn’t necessarily go to Sentebale otherwise he is getting a donation under false pretences?

Sounds like fraud to me.

Meghan markle received her duchess title by marrying a white prince, do you feel she should not be referred by her title as she clearly didn’t earn it?

No your do not get the Dr title from an honorary doctorate so she must have done a PhD elsewhere if she is calling herself dr or have a medical degree.

Don't think so. I imagine she'd put it on Linked In if she did so the Dr must refer to the honorary Doctorate. It's a bit cringe if so, but ok, not a crime.

Re putting the donation through Archewell, how it was then used would depend on the agreement. If the donation was made on an unrestricted basis to Archewell, they can use as they see fit (i.e. pass on as little as they want). However, if it's made on a pass through basis (this is sometimes done if a donor wants to make a donation in a certain jurisdiction for a tax deduction or other reason) then there will be an agreement on the amount to be passed on- often the receiving org will take a small admin fee but that would be like 3% that just covers bank fees and admin hassle

It's hard to know how this convo went without being there - the donor might have said "oh I'm really into mental health in Afghanistan and don't GAF about HIV" (you'd be amazed at how many donors go to fundraisers because they're asked to without knowing what the charity actually does and have no interest in the cause) but it is extremely bad form as a representative at a gala to divert funders to your other charitable interests unless it's clear that the one they're at is not going to work for them.

I’m reminded of the time he was representing the Royal Family at the Lion King premiere and decided to use it as an opportunity to tout his wife’s skills and pitch for work. Extremely bad form.

PH is self serving and whether something is extremely bad form or not doesn’t bother him.

The couple’s business, charitable ‘philanthropic’ endeavours continue to be murky.

I'd expect nothing else, Rhaidimiddim; in fact I'd be more surprised if he didn't try to grab someone else's opportunity for himself

Hasn't he made it clear for years that this is who he's always been?

Usually when you are awarded an honorary degree you sign a document which specifies that this does not include the Dr title. If she is choosing to use the title herself on her own linked in then that is pretty off.

Before reading the latest Bower book I was of the opinion that H was a bit thick, a go-along kind of guy who let others set the agenda and pace. But Bower makes it clear that he is a not the laid-back fun-boy but a very nasty, spiteful, entitled individual who can be focussed and ruthless in getting something that he wants.

Well that's something else I've learned today

It seems the honorary doctorated was from Coventry Uni, and being in the UK I imagine they'd have the same protocol?

Yy I am listening to the Bower book in audio and the bulk of it is Harry being cross/ upset or furious about something

Fascinating stuff.

I think the suggestion potential donations may have been solicited for his own non-profit / private company is entirely unsurprising given he got away with a very similar scenario once before albeit with already donated contributions.

Funds originally raised for the Royal Foundation were sent through a rapid succession of short-lived bodies and wound up in Travalyst under Henry's sole control and beyond the scrutiny of the Charity Commission.

I hope this debacle focuses the spotlight on all his questionable 'charitable' work.

I think where Dr SC is concerned there is a bit of academic “fluffing”. She’s described as being Oxford educated but no mention of her college, suggesting what she may have is an accredited Oxford Uni degree through a partner provider.

What is clear is she is very able and determined, and a match for H and his supporters.

The desperate reaching you're undertaking to discredit SC says a lot about you. Try that sentence again without any 'Ifs' or 'usuallys'. You've built a case on quicksand.

I think the suggestion potential donations may have been solicited for his own non-profit / private company is entirely unsurprising given he got away with a very similar scenario once before albeit with already donated contributions

Funds originally raised for the Royal Foundation were sent through a rapid succession of short-lived bodies and wound up in Travalyst under Henry's sole control and beyond the scrutiny of the Charity Commission

That's why I said I'd have been more surprised if he hadn't tried the same schtick, @CathyorClaire
If people who behave like this aren't told no - and sometimes even if they are - they just carry on in the same way, and the way he reacts when he is told no suggests he's heard it only too rarely

What is clear is she is very able and determined, and a match for H and his supporters

Edited to add I agree that's beyond doubt, @Ohpleeeease. I only hope she can prove what's been claimed, but time will tell unless there's a settlement and the evidence never comes to light

Sorry what are you on about? I said earlier I think this is a clash of egos between two egotistical people and I stand by that. If she is claiming a Dr title on the basis of an hononary doctorate that is highly unusual.