Prince Harry Steps Down from Wildlife Conservation Board After Human Rights Abuses

The Duke of Sussex has stepped down from the board of a major African wildlife conservation organization that was at the center of a human rights controversy.

A spokesperson for Prince Harry confirmed he is no longer a board member of African Parks, which admitted last year that its rangers had committed human rights abuses in the Republic of Congo.

The organization's admission followed an independent review into allegations made by members of the Baka community. In a 2024 report published by the Mail on Sunday, community members accused African Parks rangers of beatings, water torture, and rape of local people to prevent them from accessing their ancestral forest, now within a protected area.

Following the review, African Parks issued a statement acknowledging that human rights abuses occurred at Odzala-Kokoua National Park, which it manages. The organization said it has improved protection procedures both at the park and on an institutional level.

Harry's spokesperson said the Duke, who served as the organization's president for six years before becoming a board member in 2023, remains an active and passionate supporter of African Parks. "The Duke is proud of his 10 years of association with African Parks and fully supports the continued strengthening of the board," the spokesperson said. "His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains supportive of African Parks' mission."

Survival International, a global human rights charity working for the rights of indigenous peoples, had called on Harry to resign from the board.

Founded 26 years ago, African Parks manages more than 20 million hectares (50 million acres) in partnership with 13 African governments and hundreds of local communities.

African Parks expressed "deep gratitude" to the Duke as his tenure ended after 10 years with the organization. "His relationship with the organization began in Malawi in July 2016, when he supported one of the largest elephant translocations in history. He served as president for six years before being appointed as a board member," the organization said. "Over the years, the Duke has drawn global attention to the urgent need to protect biodiversity for the benefit of people and wildlife, and has contributed greatly to raising philanthropy for conservation in Africa. The Duke remains deeply committed to this cause and remains a strong advocate for African Parks' work."

The announcement comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to move back to the UK from California with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. The couple is reportedly planning a "long holiday" in the UK, and their children have been enrolled in school, but a specific timeline has not been confirmed.