The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has made a notable change in the allocation of funds from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Instead of supporting Sentebale the organization he co-founded in 2006, the funds will now go to Elephants Without Borders an environmental group dedicated to protecting elephants in Botswana.
This shift comes after a tumultuous period between prince Harry and the chair of Sentebale’s board of directors, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. The relationship deteriorated in 2026, leading to the resignation of the board of trustees and a legal dispute. Sentebale accused Harry of orchestrating a hostile media campaign, allegations he vehemently denied.
The Transition from Sentebale to Elephants Without Borders
For years, Prince Harry donated the annual income from the Diana Fund to Sentebale, which supports orphans and young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana. However, in 2026, the funds were redirected to Elephants Without Borders, an organization led by biologist Mike Chase, a close friend of Harry’s for over two decades.
The latest installment from the Diana Fund, amounting to just over $7,347, was used to monitor two elephants in the Okavango Delta. These elephants were named Archie and Lili, in honor of Prince Harry’s children with Meghan markle. While the amount may seem modest, Chase expressed his gratitude, calling Harry’s decision a tremendous honor.
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund
The Diana Fund was established following Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997. It was formally closed in 2012, and its assets were transferred to The Royal Foundation, established by Prince Harry and Prince William in 2009. After Harry and Meghan stepped down from royal duties in 2026, the brothers agreed to split the income from the fund equally.
Harry’s share had previously been automatically deposited into Sentebale’s coffers, totaling nearly $60,000 over the past five years. However, the foundation’s annual financial statements confirm that, for the first time, his entire allocation has been transferred to elephant conservation in Botswana, a country with which the prince has maintained a deep personal connection since he was very young.
A Passion for the Okavango Delta
Prince Harry has a profound affection for the Okavango Delta, its people, and its wildlife. This passion is reflected in his decision to support Elephants Without Borders. The organization used the funds to fit satellite-tracking collars to two elephants, named after Harry’s children. Prince Archie, seven, chose a blue collar for his namesake elephant, while Princess Lilibet, five, opted for purple.
Dr. Chase expressed his gratitude for Harry’s support, stating, The Duke has a very strong passion for the Okavango Delta, Botswana, its people, and its wildlife. I am deeply grateful that he is supporting us through the Diana Memorial Fund, it means a great deal to us and to the elephants we are working so hard to protect.
This shift in charitable focus highlights Prince Harry’s enduring commitment to causes close to his heart, honoring his mother’s legacy in a new and meaningful way.
