The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has announced his departure from the board of African Parks, a prominent wildlife conservation organization. This decision comes in the wake of serious allegations of human rights abuses committed by the charity’s rangers in the Republic of the Congo. Harry’s spokesperson confirmed his resignation, emphasizing his continued support for the organization’s mission.
The controversy began with a 2026 report by the Mail on Sunday, which detailed accusations from members of the Baka community. They claimed that African Parks rangers had subjected locals to severe abuses, including beating, waterboarding, and rape, to prevent them from accessing their ancestral forests, now part of a conservation area. An independent review confirmed these allegations, leading African Parks to acknowledge the abuses and implement improved safeguarding processes.
Prince Harry’s Longstanding Commitment to Conservation
Prince Harry had been a prominent figure in African Parks for a decade. He initially served as the charity’s president for six years before transitioning to a board member in 2026. A spokesperson for Harry highlighted his pride in his 10-year association with the organization and his ongoing support for its mission. “His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks’ mission,” the spokesperson stated.
Criticism from Human Rights Advocates
Survival International, a global human rights charity, had been vocal in calling for Prince Harry’s resignation from the board. Caroline Pearce, the executive director of Survival International, expressed outrage that Harry had served African Parks for a decade while its rangers were accused of abusing Indigenous people. She emphasized that Harry’s departure does not absolve African Parks of its responsibilities and called for the organization to abandon its “fortress conservation” model.
Founded 26 years ago, African Parks manages over 20 million hectares in partnership with 13 African governments and hundreds of local communities. The organization expressed deep gratitude to Prince Harry for his decade-long commitment, noting his significant contributions to biodiversity protection and philanthropy in Africa. Harry’s relationship with African Parks began in Malawi in July 2016, where he supported one of the largest elephant translocations in history.
As Prince Harry steps down from the board, he and his wife, Meghan, are preparing to relocate from California to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Meghan, formerly of Suits, is reportedly pursuing acting opportunities, including potential roles in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen. The couple plans an “extended stay” in the UK, with their children already enrolled in school, although the duration of their stay remains uncertain.
