Clarence House denies Prince Harry story
A press story claiming that Prince Harry is furious that so little of the money raised for his charity, Sentebale, has got through to people in Lesotho, Africa, has been denied by Clarence House. A press release comments :
On Monday 17th March 2008, The Daily Telegraph’s Mandrake column reported that Prince Harry was angry that Sentebale had been able to give only a tiny fraction of the money it has raised to Aids orphans. The charity’s first year accounts showed that it received donations of £1.15m but gave out only £84,000, while spending £250,000 on staff costs, and £86,000 on a website.
Prince Harry is not angry about Sentebale’s first set of financial figures. The Prince understands the importance of establishing Sentebale on the ground in Lesotho and this is where most of the money was spent during the first 18 months (17th March 2006 – 31st August 2007).
Obviously there are going to be heavy upfront costs in establishing any charity, but Harry is right to put down a marker in case Sentebale turns out like the Diana Fund after her death, which wasted millions on unmemorable “memorials”, like the dismal ditch in Kensington Gardens, and futile legal costs in America.
He should keep a close eye on what’s happening on the ground and in the accounts. He clearly is.
Update There has been an update from Clarence House on the spending from Sentebale in Lesotho and the thinking of the management of Prince Harry’s charity HERE.
The first year for any charitable foundation is always expensive because of the costs of setting up offices, hiring staff and establishing communication. Nevertheless, Prince Harry is right to remain watchful and speak up if he feels the ends do not justify the means. If the funds are not benefitting the needy, what is the point, after all.
By Gigi on March 21st, 2008 at 6:00 pm
he’s right to keep an eye on this - what what i read the princess of wales fund is a mess…wonder if at some point william and harry will take it over to straighten it out - or perhaps remember diana through their own charities
By coni on March 21st, 2008 at 6:13 pm
There is now a further accounting of Sentebale’s finances posted on the Prince of Wales’s website.
By Dan on March 21st, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Dan, yes, I’ve got that. It’s a touchy subject. I think Harry’s right to be vigilant. I believe the charity “industry” is not always so benevolent as it seems.
Certainly, the political involvement in his mother’s memorial fund was not helpful.
By John on March 21st, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Dan, I’ve put up an update to the post to include your point.
By John on March 21st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Very helpful and reassuring information, Dan and John, thank you for providing that for us. Further, I am very pleased that the overhead and administrative costs are being met by funds Prince Harry raises playing polo and in other ventures. Further, I would welcome Prince Harry and Prince William taking over Princess Diana’s Trust and running it properly, as I fear it is not at all doing the work Princess Diana would wish it to do. Every time I think of that fountain, it upsets me because it is not even close to being a proper memorial to Princess Diana. The best way to remember Princess Diana is for all of us to help the least fortunate among us, people to whose welfare and relief the Princess dedicated much of her life. The flame of her candle can be kept alive by the constant rekindling of works of charity in her name to those in need.
By Gigi on March 22nd, 2008 at 12:46 am
He was in Lesotho last November. Here’s the Link to an official statement.
By Isana on March 22nd, 2008 at 11:50 am
This statement is coming from CH small wonder. Harry has everyright to be upset the salaries are phenomenal and CH also made money off it. I’m sure that there are some in CH that would love to see Sentable fail as it was founded by Harry with Prince Seesio and William has done nothing. It is also curious that there was no coverage of his November visit nor a mere mention. Harry and Prince Seesio have their hearts in the right places but I fear that there is bad advise coming from the offices which are housed at CH. Case in point Graham Harpers salary and perks.
By Trudie on March 24th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Trudie, William and Harry are setting up a new charity for wounded soldiers. They will hold a party for high rollers in the Guildhall soon and hope to raise millions.
By John on March 24th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Yes John I read that and I commend them for it but this is a joint charity. I would like to know why William has yet to set up a charity on his own. There is no lack of places needing attention Chile would be a good place as he worked part of his gap year there or he could start a charity to educate illitierate people in third world countries where education is barely existent. William is almost 26 and Harry is 23 Time William did something on his own.
By Trudie on March 24th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I don’t think it’s necessary for William to start a new charity. As Sentabale has shown there’s always a lot of money used for administrative puposes. He can do just as valuable work supporting established charity organisations. I agree though that William has yet to find an area of interest. So far his name is not attached to any issue- which is unfortunate. There should be nothing holding him back really. He expressed interest in working for the homeless, but I haven’t heard about his work with Centrepoint recently either. The last reported visit was in 2006 if I’m not mistaken.
By Isana on March 24th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Harry’s biggest mistake was setting up his office in CH and getting advise from Charles friends as he has now well learned.
William on the other hand shows no interest in anything period, except an obligatory visit as in the run up to the Diana concert last year when he made maybe two appearances. CH controls William and Harry’s lives including their public image does it come as any small surprise That Harry lets his displeasure known and the POW website denies this as was the case with Diana Charles instead of being proud works to make himself look good he is a spoiled little boy who has to be number 1 even at the expense of his sons.
At almost 26 William should get out on his own and find a niche since it will be a very long wait for him to be King.
By Trudie on March 24th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Trudie, William is in the middle of a very taxing year in the RAF and RN. That will be followed, so we hear, by a period in a newspaper office (the Telegraph or Mail, I hope), a spell studying the constitution (what’s left of it) … oh, and a possible/probable marriage. As well as all that, he takes over as Warden/Ranger of Windsor Great Park next year, plus working fulltime on Royal duties.
Give the poor chap a break!
By John on March 25th, 2008 at 10:42 am
By Gigi on March 25th, 2008 at 9:10 pm