Prince Harry Sued for Defamation by African Charity He Co-Founded

Prince Harry has been sued by Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded, for defamation, according to AP News. Court filings also showed former trustee Mark Dyer as a defendant.

A lengthy statement was published on Sentebale’s website on Friday that identifies the two men as the “architects” of an adverse media campaign that has “had significant viral impact and triggered an onslaught of cyber-bullying directed at the charity and its leadership.” 

Related Stories

Lee Ginsberg Exits Ginsberg / Libby to Become Independent Awards Consultant (EXCLUSIVE)

PGA Awards Announces 2027 and 2028 Ceremony Dates, Reveals Key Timeline

“Sentebale has commenced legal proceedings in the High Court of England and Wales,” reads the statement, issued by the board of trustees and executive director. “The charity seeks the court’s intervention, protection and restitution following a coordinated adverse media campaign conducted since 25 March 2025 that has caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the charity, its leadership, and its strategic partners.” 

The statement concluded: “The Board and Executive Director trust that those who believe in Sentebale’s mission will understand why this legal action, whilst difficult, was necessary and important, and will continue to stand with us as we focus on the work ahead.”

“As Sentebale’s co-founder and a founding trustee, they categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims,” said a representative from Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis, speaking on behalf of Prince Harry and Mark Dyer. “It is extraordinary that charitable funds are now being used to pursue legal action against the very people who built and supported the organisation for nearly two decades, rather than being directed to the communities the charity was created to serve.”

Founded by Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006, the charity focuses on creating solutions to issues relating to young people’s health, wealth inequality and climate resilience in Lesotho and Botswana. Prince Harry had co-founded the organization in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana.

In March 2025, both co-founders stepped down from their duties, as did a group of trustees, citing that the relationship between them and the chair of the board “broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation,” the two said in a joint statement at the time.