Prince Harry has redirected funds from his mother, Princess Diana's, legacy to support an African elephant conservation charity, marking a significant shift from his previous contributions to Sentebale, an organization he co-founded.
The annual income from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, which Prince Harry now shares with his brother Prince William, was allocated to Elephants Without Borders in Botswana for the 2025 financial year. This decision follows years of the fund supporting Sentebale, a charity established in Diana's memory to assist orphans in Lesotho and Botswana.
Elephants Without Borders has acknowledged Prince Harry's support by naming two elephants after his children, Archie and Lili. Dr. Mike Chase, the founder of the organization, confirmed that the donated funds were used to equip two elephants in the Okavango Delta with satellite-tracking collars. Archie's designated elephant received a blue collar, and Lili's received a purple one.
Dr. Chase expressed deep gratitude for the Duke's support, noting his long-standing passion for Botswana, its people, and its wildlife. He highlighted the importance of passing this legacy to Prince Harry's children, hoping they will inherit his dedication to the region.
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, established after her death in 1997, concluded its active fundraising in 2012 but continues to receive legacies and donations. An agreement was made for future proceeds to be divided between the two princes for charities of their choice following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from royal duties in 2020.
Financial records indicate that Sentebale received approximately £43,866 from the Diana fund between 2020 and 2024. However, the latest accounts show that in 2025, Prince Harry's share, amounting to £5,432, was directed to Elephants Without Borders.
This change in funding comes amidst a public dispute between Prince Harry and Sophie Chandauka, the chairman of Sentebale. Ms. Chandauka has accused the Duke of causing "operational disruption and reputational harm" to the charity through an "adverse media campaign." A defamation lawsuit was filed in the High Court in March of this year, which Prince Harry has denied.
Previously, Prince Harry provided Sentebale with a substantial donation of £1.2 million from the proceeds of his memoir, "Spare." However, a public disagreement over the charity's control led to Prince Harry, co-founder Prince Seeiso, and several trustees resigning in March 2025.
The Charity Commission investigated the dispute and criticized all parties involved for airing their disagreements publicly, suggesting it could erode public confidence in the charity sector. While the commission found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment as alleged, it acknowledged the perception of ill treatment felt by some involved.
Meghan Markle, who has previously supported Elephants Without Borders by donating her fee for narrating the Disney film "Elephant," had a significant romantic trip with Prince Harry in Botswana shortly after they met. During that trip, they participated with Dr. Chase in tracking and tagging elephants.