Prince Harry has resigned from the board of African Parks, a conservation charity embroiled in controversy over human rights abuses committed by its rangers in central Africa.

The royal’s spokesman confirmed on Monday that Harry is no longer a trustee of the organisation, which manages 24 protected areas across 13 countries.

In May 2025, African Parks acknowledged its guards were involved in rights abuses at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo. An independent investigation confirmed allegations that rangers employed by the charity raped, tortured and beat members of the Baka community, indigenous hunter gatherers living near the park.

Mutual decision after routine board review

The charity, which receives funding from the EU and US, said Harry and the board mutually agreed to end his formal role after 10 years as part of a routine governance refresh.

“He was not removed from the board,” African Parks said in a statement.

Harry’s spokesman said the prince was proud of his decade with the organisation 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 spokesman added.

Decade-long involvement with conservation group

Harry served as president of African Parks for six years until 2023, when he joined the governing board of directors.

His departure comes as the British royal prepares to return to the UK following last week’s announcement that he and his wife Meghan Markle will relocate from the United States with their two young children.

The couple, formally known as the duke and duchess of Sussex, left Britain in 2020 and settled in California.

Investigation confirmed abuse allegations

African Parks did not provide details of the specific violations against the Baka community when it confirmed the investigation findings last year. Reports in Britain’s Mail on Sunday and German outlet Tagesschau included accounts from locals describing beatings, torture and other abuses by guards.

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