Prince Harry Steps Down From African Parks Board Ahead of UK Return

Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after a decade-long association with the conservation organisation, ending his formal role with the charity as he prepares for an extended return to the UK with Meghan and their children.

Harry’s departure comes as African Parks undergoes a governance refresh. The organisation announced on 19 August that he would conclude his tenure following 10 years with the charity, while welcoming two new board members. His spokesperson said the Duke of Sussex remains a supporter of African Parks’ mission and is proud of his work with the organisation.

Credit: Getty Images

Harry first became involved with African Parks in Malawi in July 2016, when he joined the team working on the first phase of its 500 Elephants project. He went on to become president in 2017, a position he held for six years before joining the board of directors in 2023.

His departure follows scrutiny of African Parks over human rights abuses involving rangers at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo. An independent investigation commissioned by the organisation examined allegations involving members of the Indigenous Baka community, including beatings, torture and sexual violence. African Parks acknowledged in 2025 that abuses had occurred in some incidents and said the investigation had identified failures in its systems and processes. The organisation subsequently pledged to address the shortcomings.

Photo: X/@ Kensington Palace

The findings led to renewed criticism of Harry’s association with the charity. Survival International, which had raised concerns about alleged abuses against the Baka community, called on him to leave African Parks. The group has argued that conservation efforts should not restrict Indigenous communities from accessing their ancestral lands.

Harry’s exit has not been linked publicly to the allegations. African Parks has presented his departure as part of its board changes, while his spokesperson has said his commitment to conservation in Africa continues. The charity has also said it has strengthened its safeguarding processes following the independent investigation.

Credit: Instagram/@Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

The timing of Harry’s departure also comes as he and Meghan prepare to spend an extended period in the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The couple are expected to retain their home in California while spending more time in Britain. Reports have said the children are expected to attend school in the UK.

Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 and subsequently moved to California. While Harry’s return to Britain will increase his physical presence in the country, neither he nor Meghan is returning to official working roles within the Royal Family.

Photo: PA

His departure from African Parks follows his exit from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, in 2025. That departure came after a dispute between the charity’s board and its former chair, Sophie Chandauka.

For African Parks, Harry’s departure is part of a wider change to its board. For the Duke, it marks the end of a formal conservation role that began with an elephant relocation project in Malawi and continued through six years as president and three years as a board member. His spokesperson has made clear that leaving the board does not mean leaving the cause behind.