Britain’s Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks, an African conservation charity that faced controversy over alleged abuses by some of its rangers.
Harry’s departure was confirmed by his spokesperson on Monday, after the charity acknowledged in May 2025 that guards working at a national park in the Republic of Congo had been involved in rights abuses.
The allegations against rangers reportedly included rape, torture and beatings involving members of the indigenous Baka community living near Odzala-Kokoua National Park in northern Congo.
Harry’s spokesperson said the prince was proud of his decade-long association with African Parks and continued to support its conservation mission.
“His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks’ mission.”
African Parks, which manages 24 protected areas across 13 countries and has received funding from the European Union and United States, said Harry and its board had mutually agreed that it was the appropriate time for him to leave his formal position as part of a routine governance refresh.
The charity stressed that Harry was not removed from the board.
Harry served as president of African Parks for six years until 2023, before joining its governing board of directors.
African Parks confirmed last year that an independent investigation had substantiated allegations of abuses at its Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
The charity did not publicly provide detailed findings on the specific violations involving the Baka community. However, reports by the Mail on Sunday and German broadcaster Tagesschau cited locals alleging rape, beatings, torture and other abuses by guards employed by the organisation.
Harry’s departure comes as the British royal is expected to return to the UK soon, following reports that he and his American wife, Meghan Markle, are planning to relocate from the United States with their family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and subsequently moved to California, where they have been raising their two children.
Despite leaving the board, Harry’s spokesperson said his commitment to conservation in Africa would continue.
Source: African Parks / AFP.
