Prince Harry Diverts Diana Memorial Funds from Sentebale to Elephant Charity

Prince Harry has redirected his annual share of funding from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund away from Sentebale and toward Botswana-based Elephants Without Borders, according to financial records and reporting from The Telegraph and the Daily Mail. Annual financial accounts filed by the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales show that Sentebale previously received £43,866 from the Diana memorial fund since 2020, with the most recent prior payment of £16,743 issued in 2024. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund was established shortly after her death in 1997 and formally closed in 2012. Legal control of the fund is held by the Royal Foundation. Under an arrangement finalized when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit royal duties in 2020, remaining proceeds and legacy donations are divided between Prince Harry and Prince William to support charities of their choice.

Elephants Without Borders Allocates Funding to Conservation and Children’s Legacy

Elephants Without Borders, operating in northern Botswana’s Okavango Delta, utilized the redirected funds to fit satellite-tracking collars onto two elephants, according to organization founder Dr. Mike Chase. Dr. Chase stated that the charity chose to name the two animals after Prince Harry’s children, Archie and Lilibet, as a tribute to the Duke’s support.

According to reporting from The Telegraph, Archie selected a blue tracking collar for his designated elephant, while Lilibet chose a purple collar. Dr. Chase told the publication that he was deeply grateful for the support through the Diana Memorial Fund.

Dr. Mike Chase via The Telegraph

Meghan Markle has also previously supported the organization, donating her narrator fee from the Disney film Elephant to the conservation group after previously visiting Botswana with Prince Harry to participate in tracking and tagging efforts on World Elephant Day.

Sentebale Funding Shift Follows Public Boardroom Dispute

The decision to alter the donation path away from Sentebale follows a public fallout between Prince Harry and Sentebale board chairman Sophie Chandauka. High Court legal filings in March detailed allegations from Ms. Chandauka asserting that the Duke caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the charity through an adverse media campaign.

Prince Harry has rejected those allegations as offensive and damaging. The conflict emerged following a power struggle for control over the organization, despite prior financial support from the Duke, which included a £1.2 million donation generated from profits of his memoir, Spare.