Prince Harry exits African Parks board amid rights abuse allegations

Prince Harry has resigned from his position as trustee of African Parks, the international conservation organisation that manages protected areas across the continent.

The departure comes months after the charity publicly acknowledged in May 2025 that its guards were involved in rights abuses at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo. The admission marked a significant reputational setback for the organisation, which operates in multiple African nations with a mandate to protect wildlife and ecosystems.

African Parks has not issued a formal statement regarding the prince's departure or the circumstances leading to his resignation from the board. The charity, which relies on international funding and partnerships to support its conservation work, has faced increased scrutiny following the disclosure of misconduct by its security personnel.

The incident at the Congo park highlighted tensions that often arise in conservation efforts, where the protection of wildlife habitats can intersect with the rights and livelihoods of indigenous and local communities. The revelations prompted broader questions about oversight and accountability mechanisms within international conservation organisations operating in developing nations.

Prince Harry's involvement with African Parks had been part of his wider conservation advocacy work. His departure represents another shift in his charitable engagements in recent years.