Moving On

Prince Harry has sensationally quit as patron of the African charity he started in honor of his late mother Princess Diana in 2006.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, said he is “disturbed” and “in shock” to step down from Sentebale, the youth-focused organization he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, a tiny landlocked nation in South Africa.

Harry said he was forced to resign amid ongoing unrest behind closed door discussions between the board of trustees and the charity’s chairman Zimbabwean-born lawyer Dr. Sophie Chandauka. 

In a joint statement with Prince Seeiso, Harry said “with heavy hearts we have resigned from our roles as patrons until further notice in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees, who have all had to do the same.”

“It is devastating the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation,” added Harry.

While specifics are unknown, it is believed King Charles’ youngest son quit over a decision to focus on fundraising in Africa.

Stay tuned…

New Vintage

Meghan Markle has got some friendly royal competition when it comes to her planned As Ever rosé wine.

Ladies Eliza and Amelia Spencer, nieces of the late Princess Diana, have just announced their Lala V wine launching this summer.

“It’s a rosé brand, Lala V, a play on Eliza’s childhood nickname Lala and the French word for life, vie.

“We can’t wait to go on this journey together” says Lady Amelia.

Cover Story

When Meghan Markle landed the cover of Vanity Fair she thought it was about her charity work, not her relationship with Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth’s grandson, according to the Condé Nast glossy’s former editor Graydon Carter.

Carter, who retired in 2017 after 25 years, says Meghan was on the cover directly because of her royal connection, but she thought it was for her philanthropy.

Carter eventually ran the cover under the headline: “Meghan Markle, Wild About Harry!”

As for Carter himself, he’s also well connected with the Windsors. His wife Anna’s father, Sir Kenneth Scott, was the Queen’s assistant private secretary.

Condo on the Market

Former Montecito resident Michael Douglas’ former Los Angeles condominium is up for sale for $7 million.

Michael and his Welsh wife Catherine Zeta-Jones purchased two condos and knocked them into one residence in 1990, selling the sprawling pad to Leonard Lauder, son of the late beauty empress Estée Lauder, whose late wife Evelyn was a good friend in New York.

The property encompasses 2,640 square feet with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The designer was the legendary I. M. Pei, who famously designed the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris

People Helping People Pay the Mortgage

Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People has officially paid off its remaining mortgage on its longtime headquarters.

With a hefty balloon payment coming due on the loan, the board was debating whether to meet the obligation or attempt to raise the $114,000 that would allow PHP to own their property outright.

Former board president John Kuelbs and his wife Casey kicked off the new fund drive with a lead gift of $50,000, sparking immediate momentum.

Erica Jane Flores, PHP CEO, took swift action, reaching out to members to join the effort and within just six hours the goal for extra $64,000 was reached by the end of the day.

With the financial burden removed, the nonprofit can focus more resources on its core mission providing food, housing assistance and support services to low- and moderate-income families in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Sightings

Carpinterian and TV host Conan O’Brien receiving the Mark Twain Award for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington… Actor Ashton Kutcher and wife Mila Kunis roaming in Rome… Former TV newswoman Maria Shriver checking out Pierre Lafond.

Pip! Pip!