Prince Harry Steps Down From African Parks Board Amid Human Rights Controversy

Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks, the wildlife conservation charity where he previously served as president, following scrutiny over human rights abuses allegedly

committed by rangers working with the organisation.

The Duke of Sussex spent six years as president of African Parks before joining its board of directors in 2023. His departure comes after the organisation acknowledged that rangers involved in its operations in the Republic of Congo had committed serious abuses against indigenous people.

An independent investigation examined allegations that guards working at Odzala-Kokoua National Park had beaten, raped and tortured local people. African Parks said last year that it had strengthened its safeguarding procedures both at the park and across the wider organisation.

Despite stepping down, Prince Harry has said he remains a supporter of African Parks' conservation mission.

His spokesman said the Duke was proud of his decade-long association with the organisation and supported its efforts to strengthen its board. African Parks also praised Harry for helping bring international attention to biodiversity protection and conservation in Africa.

The organisation manages around 20 national parks and protected areas across 12 countries and has been involved in major conservation projects, including the relocation of hundreds of elephants from Malawi to safer habitats.

Harry previously described his involvement in the elephant relocation project as an “amazing” experience, highlighting his long-standing interest in African conservation.

However, his departure comes at a particularly significant moment. The move follows a period of renewed scrutiny of African Parks' governance and safeguarding practices, while Harry and Meghan are also preparing to return to the UK with their children after several years living in California.

The Sussexes' return is expected to attract considerable public attention, particularly over their security arrangements and future activities in Britain.

Harry and Meghan stepped back from their senior royal duties in 2020 and remain private individuals. Harry's decision to leave the African Parks board marks another change in his international charitable work as the couple prepares for a new chapter closer to the UK.

For African Parks, the challenge now is to demonstrate that its reforms can rebuild confidence while maintaining its ambitious conservation work across the continent. For Harry, the decision allows him to continue supporting African conservation while stepping away from a charity that has faced serious questions over the treatment of indigenous communities.