Prince Harry quits African wildlife charity board after abuse scandal
Prince Harry quits African wildlife charity board after abuse scandal
Laura Elston Mon, August 24, 2026 at 2:22 PM UTC
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The Duke of Sussex has resigned from the board of a controversial African wildlife charity prior to his planned return to the UK.
A spokesman for Prince Harry confirmed he is no longer a trustee of African Parks, as he prepares to relocate within days alongside the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Last year, the major conservation organisation admitted that human rights violations were committed by its rangers in Congo-Brazzaville.
This followed an independent human rights investigation into claims that guards managed and paid by the charity had beaten, raped and tortured indigenous people in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Harry spent six years as president of the charity and then joined the board of directors in 2023 (PA)
A spokesman for Harry stated that the duke, who spent six years as president of the charity before joining its board of directors in 2023, remains an active and avid supporter of African Parks.
"The Duke is proud of his 10 years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its board," the spokesman said.
"His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks’ mission."
In 2016, Harry assisted in moving hundreds of African elephants in Malawi to a safer home during an African Parks project, describing the experience as "amazing".
The charity stated in 2025 that it had enhanced its safeguarding processes institutionally and within the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
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The Sussexes are preparing to set up home in the UK, marking a dramatic change six years after leaving the working monarchy for California, with the children now enrolled in British schools.
Former Suits star Meghan is reportedly seeking an acting role, amid claims she is in talks for a part in the third series of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix hit The Gentlemen.
Significant uncertainty remains following Harry’s unexpected change of course regarding his relationship with the royal family.
Questions persist over whether the public purse will be used to fund police protection for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Harry and Meghan are set to return to the UK shortly (PA)
According to The Telegraph, an official risk evaluation conducted by the royal and VIP executive committee (Ravec) was completed late in July, though Harry has reportedly not been informed of its conclusions.
The duke, who previously undertook military service in Afghanistan, has reportedly appealed directly to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood seeking clarification on the matter.
His official protection details were downgraded after he relinquished his duties as a working royal in 2020, leading to an unsuccessful legal challenge against the Home Office regarding his family's security in Britain.
Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales, currently staying with the King at his Balmoral estate in Scotland, have offered no public comment on Harry and Meghan’s prospective comeback.
Relations between Future king William and his brother remain deeply strained following public criticism directed at William, Kate, Charles and Camilla across an Oprah Winfrey broadcast, a Netflix series, and Harry’s memoir Spare after his departure from frontline royal life.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
