Prince Harry has concluded his formal role as a trustee of African Parks, a conservation charity managing protected areas across Africa, his spokesman confirmed on Monday. The decision follows the organization’s acknowledgment of human rights abuses involving its rangers, including allegations of rape and torture against indigenous communities in the Republic of Congo’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Prince Harry’s departure
Prince Harry, who served on African Parks’ board for a decade, including as its president for six years, will no longer hold a formal position with the organization. His spokesman stated that Harry remains "proud of his ten years with African Parks" and "fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its board." The prince’s commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of the charity’s mission, according to the statement.
African Parks described the change as a "routine governance refresh" of its board, emphasizing that the decision was mutually agreed upon after a decade of service. The organization stated in a release that the adjustment reflects "the natural evolution of board membership" and is not connected to any other matter.
Allegations and investigations
In May 2025, African Parks acknowledged that its guards were involved in "rights abuses" at Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The charity commissioned an independent investigation following years of allegations, including reports of physical and sexual violence against the Baka people, an indigenous community in Central Africa. However, African Parks did not publicly release the full findings of the investigation or specify whether the abuses included rape and torture.
The charity has emphasized recent investments in human rights safeguards, describing these as "substantial and sustained." African Parks manages 24 protected areas in 13 countries and has received funding from the European Union and the United States.
Context of the decision
Prince Harry’s departure coincides with his family’s planned relocation to the United Kingdom later this year. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children, are set to move back to the UK in August, with their children enrolling in British schools in September. African Parks did not link Harry’s exit to the family’s relocation plans.
The charity expressed "deep gratitude" to Prince Harry for his decade-long service, noting his contributions as both a trustee and president. African Parks remains a prominent player in African conservation, with a stated mission to protect wildlife and support local communities.
The organization’s statement did not address whether the governance refresh was directly related to the abuse allegations or broader operational concerns. Harry’s spokesman reiterated his ongoing support for African Parks’ work despite the change in his formal role.