Departure from African Parks

Prince Harry has stepped down as a trustee of African Parks, the nonprofit conservation organization that manages protected areas in partnership with authorities in 13 countries from Chad to Zimbabwe. His departure was confirmed by a spokesperson on Monday, after 10 years of service to the organization.

The charity said in a statement dated Aug. 19 that the prince's departure was part of a "governance refresh" that will bring a Kenyan Supreme Court justice and the president of AGRA, an organization that helps small farmers in Africa, onto the board. The changes take effect Sept. 30.

African Parks chair Vas Narasimhan expressed gratitude, saying: "We extend our thanks to all the members of the Board who generously volunteer their time in support of our conservation mission — and particularly to The Duke of Sussex, for a decade of committed service to African Parks."

Harry's involvement with the organization dates back to 2016, when he visited Malawi and supported one of the largest elephant translocations in history, an experience he described as "amazing." He served as president for six years before becoming a board member in 2023.

Context of Controversy

The departure comes four months after the Indigenous rights group Survival International called on Harry to resign, alleging human rights abuses by rangers employed by African Parks. The charity admitted last year that human rights abuses were committed by its rangers in Congo-Brazzaville, following an independent investigation into allegations that guards had beaten, raped and tortured indigenous people in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

African Parks said in 2025 that it had improved its safeguarding processes both in the park and institutionally. A spokesperson for Harry said the duke remains an active and avid supporter of the charity, adding: "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 highlighted the duke's contribution, stating: "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."

This is the second charity Harry has stepped down from recently. He left Sentebale, the organization he co-founded to fight poverty and AIDS in southern Africa, in March 2025 after relations with the chair broke down.

Return to the UK

The announcement comes as Harry prepares to relocate to the UK with his wife Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The family is planning an "extended stay," with the children enrolled in British schools. Harry and Meghan stepped aside from royal duties when they moved to the U.S. and will not return to royal duties; they are expected to live in a non-royal residence outside London.