Prince Harry Steps Down From Conservation Charity Amid Rights Scandal

Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks, a conservation organization facing allegations of human rights violations by its rangers. The announcement came as the charity confirmed that "in some incidents, human rights abuses have occurred."

A spokesperson for Harry stated that the Duke is "proud of his 10 years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its Board." The statement added that his "commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks’ mission."

African Parks confirmed Harry's departure on Monday, thanking him for a decade of service. Harry began his involvement with the non-profit in 2016, serving as its president for six years before joining the board of directors in 2023. His tenure as a trustee exceeded the typical term limits outlined by the Charity Governance Code, which generally suggests a maximum of nine years across multiple reappointments.

Last year, African Parks launched an internal investigation into allegations that its rangers had raped, beaten, and tortured indigenous people in Africa. The organization acknowledged in a May 2025 statement that "in some incidents, human rights abuses have occurred" and expressed regret for the suffering caused. The charity also admitted to "failures of our systems and processes" and pledged to address these issues and ensure human rights protections.

Harry's resignation precedes his and Meghan Markle's planned extended stay in the United Kingdom, where their children, Archie and Lilibet, have been enrolled in school. Sources have indicated the move is intended to allow the couple to be closer to King Charles III, who is undergoing cancer treatment.

This development follows Harry's departure in March 2025 from Sentebale, a charity he co-founded. That exit occurred amid a dispute with the chairwoman, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who had reported allegations of bullying and harassment against Harry to a regulatory commission. An investigation into those claims found no evidence of widespread misconduct.