Duke of Sussex Steps Down From African Parks Board Over Abuse Allegations

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has officially resigned from his role on the board of African Parks, an African wildlife conservation organisation. This decision comes as the Duke, alongside the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet, prepares to relocate to the United Kingdom within days.

African Parks, a prominent conservation group, acknowledged last year that its rangers in Congo-Brazzaville had committed human rights violations. This admission followed an independent investigation into claims that guards, who were managed and compensated by the charity, had engaged in acts of beating, r*pe, and torture against indigenous communities within the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

A spokesperson for Prince Harry confirmed his departure as a trustee but emphasized that the Duke remains a dedicated and enthusiastic supporter of African Parks. Harry had previously served as the charity's president for six years before joining its board of directors in 2023. The spokesperson stated, "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."

In 2016, Prince Harry actively participated in an African Parks initiative that involved relocating hundreds of African elephants to a safer habitat in Malawi, an experience he described as "amazing." The charity announced in 2025 that it had improved its safeguarding protocols both institutionally and specifically within the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

Meanwhile, the Sussex family is getting ready to return to the UK after residing in the United States for six years. Their children, Archie, aged seven, and Lilibet, aged five, are set to begin new schooling in the UK. According to a source close to the family, both children have been enrolled in British schools and are expected to commence classes in September.