Charity's defamation claim against Prince Harry paused due legal cost fears
A charity co-founded by Prince Harry has reportedly paused its defamation claim against the royal amid fears that legal costs could lead to its closure. The Duke of Sussex resigned as a patron of Sentebale in March last year after falling out with its chair, Sophie Chandauka. Sentebale lodged a defamation claim in the High Court against Harry over what the trustees allege was an "adverse media campaign" that caused "reputational harm".
TL;DR
- Sentebale, co-founded by Prince Harry, has reportedly paused its defamation claim against the royal.
- The charity fears that legal costs could lead to its closure if the claim is not successful.
- The Duke of Sussex resigned as a patron of Sentebale in March last year following a disagreement with its chair, Sophie Chandauka.
- Sentebale had sued Harry over an alleged 'adverse media campaign' that caused 'reputational harm'.
- If Sentebale loses the case, it could be liable for Prince Harry's legal costs in addition to its own.
- Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, co-founder, and Captain Mark Dyer also left the charity along with Harry.
- The Charity Commission found no evidence of bullying and harassment but noted weak governance and criticized the public nature of the dispute.
- Despite losing key figures, Sentebale's donations increased in the last financial year, though income from events and institutions decreased.