Prince Harry Leaves African Parks Board After Abuse Controversy

Prince Harry has ended his formal role on the board of African Parks, a conservation organisation that faced scrutiny over alleged abuses by rangers at one of its protected areas in the Republic of Congo.

Harry’s spokesman confirmed on Monday that the Duke of Sussex had stepped down as a trustee after a decade with the organisation.

African Parks, which oversees 24 protected areas in 13 countries and has received financial support from the EU and US, admitted in May 2025 that some of its guards had been involved in “rights abuses” at a national park in the Republic of Congo.

The allegations against the charity’s rangers reportedly included rape and torture of indigenous people.

Despite his departure, Harry said through his spokesman that he remained committed to conservation efforts in Africa.

The spokesman said Harry was “proud of his ten years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its board.”

“His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks’ mission.”

African Parks described the departure as part of a normal governance process, saying Harry and the board had “mutually agreed that, after ten years of service, this was the right time for him to conclude his formal role as part of a routine governance refresh”.

The organisation further clarified that “He was not removed from the board.”

Harry’s exit comes ahead of his expected return to Britain, following reports last week that he will relocate from the United States with his family.

Harry and Meghan Markle left the UK in 2020 and subsequently settled in California, where they have raised their two children.

The prince initially served as president of African Parks for six years, ending that role in 2023 before joining its governing board of directors.

The charity said an independent investigation completed last year had confirmed allegations of abuses at its Odzala-Kokoua National Park in northern Congo.

African Parks did not disclose specific details of the alleged violations involving the Baka community, a group of hunter-gatherers living close to the park.

However, the Mail on Sunday in Britain and Germany’s Tagesschau reported allegations from local residents of rape, beatings, torture and other abuses allegedly committed by guards working for African Parks.

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