PRINCE Harry has told of his pride that his Sentebale charity has managed to continue helping children in Africa during a year which “hasn’t been easy”.
Harry, who co-founded Sentebale in 2006 to help vulnerable children in Lesotho, Botswana and Malawi, said the charity had “stepped up to meet the moment” amid the chaos of the pandemic.
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Writing in the charity’s annual report for the year ending in August 2020,he said: “Our role as a communicator was a valuable asset, enabling us to reach out and support communities when they needed it most.
“Despite limited resources, we are proud to say that Sentebale stepped up to meet the moment.
“This is a testament to our staff and volunteers – to their creativity, flexibility, and passion.
“As we begin recovering from Covid-19, now is also the time for Sentebale to look to the future and the role we will and must play.”
Harry is now based in Los Angeles with his family, and is no longer a working member of the royal family.
But the Duke of Sussex said: “We are fully committed to supporting Sentebale and working with others to help achieve its vision and mission.”
During the year ending in August 2020, Sentebale secured income of £2.39 million, compared with £3.93 million the previous year.
Fundraising costs accounted for £335,000, which was a drop of £1.09 million.
The amount spent on charitable activities was £2.5 million, down from £2.93 million in 2019, as programme activities were affected by national restrictions on movement and gatherings in Lesotho and Botswana due to the pandemic.
In February, the Queen said she was “saddened” after her grandson and the Duchess of Sussex confirmed they would not be returning as working members of the Royal Family.
But Harry and pregnant Meghan released a statement saying they would “remain committed” to the UK.
A spokesperson for the couple said: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.
“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
