The Duke of Sussex has resigned from the board of African Parks, the conservation charity confirmed, ending a formal role he held after a decade-long association with the organisation.
Resignation follows rights investigation and UK return
A spokesman for the duke said he had served as the charity’s president for six years before joining its board in 2023, and that he remains a supporter of its work. The move comes in the wake of an independent investigation which found rangers linked to the charity committed human rights abuses in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo-Brazzaville.
"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."
The charity had previously acknowledged that guards managed and paid by the organisation had been implicated in serious abuses, including beatings, rape and torture, and said in 2025 it had improved safeguarding procedures both at Odzala-Kokoua and across the institution.
What African Parks and the duke say
African Parks announced a "governance refresh of its board of directors" as part of wider changes and publicly thanked the duke for his contribution. The charity said he had brought attention to biodiversity threats and had helped promote philanthropy for conservation in Africa.
"The duke remains deeply committed to this cause, and remains a strong supporter of African Parks' work," the organisation added.
In a statement, Prince Harry’s office reiterated his ongoing dedication to conservation, while making clear he would no longer sit on the board. The resignation was announced shortly after reports that the duke and the Duchess of Sussex were relocating with their two children from California to the UK.
Scope of the charity’s work
African Parks manages protected areas across the continent. According to the organisation, its portfolio covers around 20 national parks and protected areas in 12 countries. The charity’s website also highlights the duke’s role in a large-scale conservation effort, the 500 Elephants project, described as a major elephant translocation intended to bolster populations in areas hit hard by poaching.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length of association | 10 years (including six years as president) |
| Board membership | Joined board in 2023 |
| Conservation footprint | ~20 parks across 12 countries |
The charity said it had already taken steps to strengthen safeguarding and governance after the independent probe in Congo-Brazzaville. It described the current changes to its board as part of a broader effort to improve oversight and restore confidence.
Political and reputational consequences
The duke’s resignation will be scrutinised in multiple arenas. For African Parks, losing a high-profile figure who helped attract attention and philanthropic support is a reputational moment even as the charity seeks to demonstrate organisational reform. For the duke, stepping down removes an official connection to an organisation under scrutiny but not a declared end to his involvement with conservation causes in Africa.
Observers will watch how African Parks implements the governance changes it has promised and whether further steps are taken following the rights inquiry. The charity’s public statements point to a continuing commitment to its mission and to the duke’s role as a supporter rather than a formal director.
- Resignation confirmed: Prince Harry has left the board after being president and then a director.
- Human rights probe: An independent inquiry found abuses by rangers in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
- Ongoing support: Both the duke and African Parks say he remains committed to conservation work.
The unfolding story will have ramifications for governance standards in international conservation NGOs and for how public figures manage affiliations when their partners face serious allegations.
