Britain’s Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks, a conservation charity that became embroiled in controversy over allegations of abuses committed by some of its rangers against indigenous people.
Harry’s spokesman confirmed on Monday that the Duke of Sussex was no longer a trustee of the organisation, which manages protected areas across several African countries.
The development comes after African Parks acknowledged in May 2025 that some of its guards were involved in what it described as “rights abuses” at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo.
The allegations against rangers employed by the charity reportedly included rape, torture, beatings and other forms of abuse against members of the Baka community, a group of indigenous hunter-gatherers living near the park.
Harry had served with African Parks for about a decade, initially as president before joining its governing board after stepping down from the presidency.
Harry supports conservation mission
The prince’s spokesman said Harry was proud of his decade-long association with African Parks and continued to support the organisation’s conservation mission.
“His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks’ mission,” the spokesman said.
African Parks also confirmed Harry’s departure, describing it as a mutually agreed decision linked to a routine restructuring of its board.
The organisation said Harry and the board had agreed that, after 10 years of service, it was the appropriate time for him to conclude his formal role as part of a governance refresh.
The charity stressed that Harry had not been removed from the board.
Abuse allegations triggered controversy
African Parks confirmed last year that an independent investigation had substantiated allegations of abuses involving rangers at the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in northern Congo.
The organisation, however, did not publicly disclose detailed findings of the violations against members of the Baka community.
Reports by Britain’s Mail on Sunday and German broadcaster Tagesschau subsequently cited local residents who alleged that rangers had subjected members of the community to rape, beatings, torture and other abuses.
The controversy placed renewed scrutiny on the operations of African Parks, which manages 24 protected areas across 13 African countries and has received financial support from international donors, including the European Union and the United States.
Harry’s decade with African Parks
Harry became president of African Parks in 2017 and held the position for six years before joining the organisation’s board of directors in 2023.
During his time with the organisation, he was publicly associated with efforts to promote wildlife conservation and the protection of Africa’s threatened ecosystems.
His decision to step down from the board comes as the charity works to strengthen its governance structures following the controversy surrounding its operations in Congo.
African Parks said its relationship with Harry had been positive and framed his departure as part of a normal governance process rather than a disciplinary action.
Return to UK expected
Harry’s departure also comes at a time of renewed attention on his relationship with Britain and the royal family.
The prince is expected to return to the United Kingdom shortly following reports that he and his American wife, Meghan Markle, formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are considering relocating from the United States with their family.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior working members of the British royal family in 2020 and subsequently moved to California, where they have been raising their two children.
Despite leaving his formal position at African Parks, Harry’s spokesman said the prince would continue to support conservation efforts in Africa.
His departure marks the end of his formal 10-year association with the organisation, although he is expected to remain an advocate for conservation and environmental protection initiatives on the continent.
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