LONDON, Aug 11: The Duke of Sussex is reportedly exploring the possibility of establishing a new charity focused on Africa after the recent controversy surrounding Sentebale, the organization he co-founded in 2006.

Sources close to Prince Harry say he remains committed to “continuing to support the children of Lesotho and Botswana,” despite having stepped down from Sentebale amid the ongoing dispute. While no formal decision has yet been made regarding his future involvement, he is “examining his options” and plans to announce his next steps in due course.

“He may choose to support existing charities working in the region or decide to launch a new initiative altogether,” a source familiar with the Duke’s thinking revealed.

This development follows a ruling by the Charity Commission, which on Wednesday confirmed that Sentebale’s chairwoman, Sophie Chandauka, would remain in her role despite a highly publicized conflict that led to the resignation of Prince Harry and other trustees. The regulator identified governance issues within the charity and criticized “all parties” for allowing the dispute to become public, but its decision to keep Ms. Chandauka in place was seen as a significant setback for the Duke.

Prince Harry established Sentebale nearly two decades ago to carry forward the legacy of his late mother, Princess Diana, by supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. Allies have described the charity as “his life’s work.” Following the Charity Commission’s report, they accused Ms. Chandauka of orchestrating a “hostile takeover” intended to wrest control from the Duke.

In March, Prince Harry, along with co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and several trustees, resigned, citing mismanagement and calling for Ms. Chandauka’s removal. Ms. Chandauka, in turn, accused them of bullying, harassment, and misogynoir—discrimination against black women.

The regulator’s investigation found no evidence of misconduct by Prince Harry as patron, nor did it find “widespread or systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir.”

Tensions reportedly began in April 2024 after an “awkward” encounter between Ms. Chandauka and the Duchess of Sussex at a polo match in Miami. The incident, captured on video, went viral and sparked controversy about seating arrangements during a post-match photo. Ms. Chandauka declined an invitation from the Duke to publicly clarify the interaction.

Sources close to the event said the Duchess wanted Ms. Chandauka “front and centre” in the photograph, contradicting earlier claims of awkwardness. They suggested Ms. Chandauka “saw an opportunity to create further tension” by not clarifying the situation, which fueled division.

On Wednesday, Ms. Chandauka said the public dispute had caused “incalculable damage” to Sentebale, blaming “an unexpected adverse media campaign launched by those who resigned.”

In response to the Charity Commission’s findings, Prince Harry described the investigation as having “troublingly short” results and reaffirmed his commitment to “finding new ways to continue supporting the children of Lesotho and Botswana.”

Over nearly two decades, the Duke has donated generously to Sentebale, including £1.2 million from the proceeds of his 2023 memoir, Spare, along with other donations and fundraising efforts.