Prince Harry Faces Defamation Lawsuit from Sentebale Charity

Crown Princess Mette-Marit appears with oxygen at Norwegian event

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:18pm

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An abstract close-up of a luxurious, shimmering fabric texture in muted blue and gold hues, conveying a sense of the fragility and complexity within the royal family.The royal family's public image often conceals the underlying tensions and personal struggles faced by its members.Miami Beach Today

Prince Harry is facing a defamation lawsuit brought by the board of directors of Sentebale, the African charity he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. The lawsuit follows a public dispute over the charity's governance and Harry's resignation as patron. Meanwhile, Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway was seen using supplemental oxygen at a public event, drawing attention to her pulmonary fibrosis condition.

Why it matters

The lawsuit against Prince Harry highlights the ongoing tensions and disputes within the royal family and their charities. Mette-Marit's public appearance with oxygen reinforces the importance of addressing health issues openly, especially for public figures.

The details

The defamation lawsuit against Prince Harry was filed at the High Court in London by Sentebale's board of directors. It follows Harry's March 2025 resignation as the charity's patron and a subsequent public dispute over the charity's governance. Sentebale's chair, Sophie Chandauka, accused Harry of orchestrating a campaign of bullying and harassment to try to force her out. Harry's spokesman criticized the Charity Commission's investigation, which found no evidence of such issues. Sentebale is now seeking the court's 'intervention, protection, and restitution' following an 'adverse media campaign.' Meanwhile, in Norway, Crown Princess Mette-Marit appeared at a reception for Norwegian Paralympic athletes using a nasal cannula for supplemental oxygen, likely due to her pulmonary fibrosis condition.

  • In March 2025, Prince Harry resigned as Sentebale's patron.
  • In April 2025, both princes and a group of trustees stepped down from Sentebale, citing an irreparable relationship between the board and its chair.
  • In August 2022, the UK Charity Commission released a report criticizing all parties for allowing the internal dispute to become so public.
  • In April 2023, Sentebale filed the defamation lawsuit against Prince Harry and one of his close friends, Mark Dyer, who was also a trustee of the charity.

The players

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

Co-founder of the Sentebale charity and the subject of the defamation lawsuit.

Prince Seeiso of Lesotho

Co-founder of the Sentebale charity with Prince Harry.

Sophie Chandauka

Chair of the Sentebale charity's board of directors, who accused Prince Harry of bullying and harassment.

Mark Dyer

A close friend of Prince Harry and a former trustee of the Sentebale charity, named in the defamation lawsuit.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway

The Norwegian royal who appeared at a public event using supplemental oxygen due to her pulmonary fibrosis condition.

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What they’re saying

“We are emerging not just grateful to have survived, but stronger: more focused, better governed, boldly ambitious and with our dignity intact.”

— Sophie Chandauka, Chair of the Sentebale charity's board of directors

“Using breathing assistance is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and the will to live an active life despite illness.”

— Norwegian Heart, Lung, and Stroke Association (LHL)

What’s next

The judge in the Sentebale defamation case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and disputes within the royal family and their charities, as well as the importance of addressing health issues openly, especially for public figures.