A charity co-founded by Prince Harry nearly two decades ago has sued him for defamation in London's High Court.

Sentebale, which supports young people living with HIV in Lesotho and Botswana, lodged the claim on March 23 or 24 against the Duke of Sussex and former trustee Mark Dyer. The organization accuses them of orchestrating a "coordinated adverse media campaign" since March 25, 2025, that spread false narratives, caused reputational harm, operational disruption, viral impact and cyberbullying against the charity and its leadership. Court records became public yesterday, prompting statements from both sides.

The suit seeks judicial intervention, protection and restitution. Sentebale's board and executive director stated the campaign has undermined staff and partner relationships while diverting resources to manage the fallout. Legal costs are covered entirely by external funding, with no charitable money used.

Prince Harry co-founded Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, naming it "forget-me-not" in the local language to honor his mother, Princess Diana, and her work on HIV/AIDS stigma. He served as patron until resigning in March 2025 alongside Seeiso and several trustees amid a boardroom dispute with chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who had been appointed in 2023.

Tensions arose over a new U.S. fundraising strategy and governance issues. Chandauka accused the trustees of bullying, harassment, misogyny and misogynoir, reporting them to the Charity Commission. Harry called his departure "heartbreaking" and "devastating," claiming "blatant lies" harmed supporters. He donated £1.2 million from his memoir Spare profits to the charity.

In August 2025, the Charity Commission found no evidence of bullying, harassment or misogyny but criticized weak governance and all parties for airing the dispute publicly, which damaged the charity's reputation and risked public trust in charities. Commission chief executive David Holdsworth said the row overshadowed achievements and jeopardized aid to beneficiaries.

A spokesperson for Harry and Dyer rejected the claims as "offensive and damaging." They called it "extraordinary" that funds target the organization's builders after nearly 20 years, urging focus on southern African communities instead.

No specific defamatory statements were detailed in public filings or statements. The case remains at an early stage, with proceedings ongoing.