The Duke of Sussex has left the conservation organisation’s board amid a governance overhaul following confirmed human rights abuses by rangers at a park in the Republic of the Congo.
Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after a decade with the conservation organisation.
Following an investigation that confirmed human rights abuses by rangers working in a national park it manages in the Republic of the Congo, the 41-year-old Duke of Sussex is ending his tenure as a director of the wildlife charity as part of what African Parks described as a “governance refresh”.
The departure comes days before Harry, his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 45, and their children Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are expected to return to Britain for an extended stay, six years after the couple stopped being working royals and moved to California.
Harry’s departure also follows an independent investigation into allegations involving members of the Baka community at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo.
The probe confirmed abuses by rangers including beatings, rape and waterboarding.
African Parks has said it has strengthened safeguarding and human rights procedures.
A spokesman for Harry said: “The Duke is proud of his 10 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 also paid tribute to Harry’s work with the organisation, saying: “The Duke has brought global attention to the urgent need for biodiversity protection for the benefit of people and wildlife, and has contributed greatly to promoting philanthropy for the cause of conservation in Africa.”
Harry first became involved with African Parks in Malawi in 2016, when he participated in its 500 Elephants project, one of the largest elephant translocations undertaken in conservation.
He subsequently served as president of African Parks for six years before joining its board of directors in 2023.
The organisation announced last week Harry would conclude his tenure alongside the appointment of two new directors, Justice Isaac Lenaola and Alice Ruhweza.
The changes formally take effect at its board meeting on September 30.
His exit represents his second significant departure from an African charity following the breakdown of his relationship with Sentebale, the organisation he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support children and young people in southern Africa.
Harry stepped down as Sentebale’s patron in March 2025 amid a dispute involving its chair, Sophie Chandauka.
The Charity Commission subsequently criticized all sides for allowing the dispute to “play out publicly”, although it found no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny or misogynoir.
The dispute escalated further this year when Sentebale launched defamation proceedings against Harry and former trustee Mark Dyer.
A spokesman for Harry and Mark said in April that they “categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims”.
The African Parks announcement comes as Harry prepares for another major change – his return to Britain with Meghan and their children.
Reuters reported the Sussexes are planning to return to Britain this month, with their children Archie and Lilibet expected to attend school in the UK.
The family will reportedly not live in a royal residence and Harry and Meghan will remain non-working royals.
The move marks a reversal of the couple’s decision to build their primary life in California after leaving royal duties in 2020.
Their years in the US have included their interview with Oprah Winfrey, their Netflix documentary Harry and Meghan and Harry’s memoir Spare, in which he detailed the breakdown of relationships within the royal family.
Relations with King Charles, 77, have shown signs of improvement.
Charles saw Archie and Lilibet during the Sussexes’ visit to Britain last month – the first time the King had seen his grandchildren in person since 2022 – although Harry’s relationship with his brother Prince William, 44, remains strained.
Harry’s security arrangements also remain a significant issue surrounding his return.
He previously lost his legal challenge over the decision to change the level of taxpayer-funded protection available to him after he stopped being a working member of the royal family.
African Parks, meanwhile, manages 24 protected areas across 13 African countries covering more than 20m hectares.
Its board members are unpaid apart from expenses, and the organisation said Harry remains a “strong supporter” of its conservation work despite leaving its governing body.
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