Prince Harry quits controversial African conservation charity after ‘human rights abuses’ – ahead of return to Britain

PRINCE Harry has stepped down from his role on the board of a wildlife charity accused of human rights abuses ahead of his return to the UK. The Duke of Sussex is no longer a trustee of African Parks, a spokesperson confirmed. Prince Harry has stepped back from his role with the charity organisation Credit: Getty The Duke participated in a project to move hundreds of elephants to Malawi Credit: Alamy The conservation organisation admitted last year that human rights abuses were committed by its rangers in Congo-Brazzaville. It followed an independent human rights investigation into allegations that guards managed and paid by the charity had beaten, raped and tortured indigenous people in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Sign up for the Royals newsletter Thank you! Harry was president of the charity for six years before he became a member of its board of directors in 2023. A spokesperson said he remained an active supporter of the charity, despite no longer holding a role in the organisation. Harry was the president of the charity for six years before joining its board of directors Credit: AP:Associated Press The Duke, his wife and their two children are returning to the UK from California Credit: AFP They added: “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.” As part of a project organised by African Parks, the Duke moved hundreds of elephants to a safer home in Malawi – describing the experience as “amazing.” Following the controversy surrounding African Park’s rangers the charity said in 2025 that it had improved its safeguarding processes both in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park and institutionally. Most read in Royals The Sun revealed in a world exclusive last week that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their two children, Archie and Lillibet, were returning to the UK from their home in California. Kids Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, are due to be enrolling at school here in September. The Sussexes, who had a reunion with King Charles last month, have also reportedly found a new home in the UK. Their relocation has rasied questions over the future of the 2020 Sandringham Agreement — dubbed “Megxit.” And Former Suits star Meghan is said to be pursuing an acting role, with reports she is in talks about a role in the third series of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix hit The Gentlemen, and counter claims that the deal was off. The series films near the King’s Highgrove Estate, for its third season as Meghan rumoured to be playing the “ultimate temptress” of the underworld action comedy. The series is predominantly filmed at the Badminton estate in Gloucestershire – just seven miles from Highgrove. The duke and duchess are planning an “extended stay” in the UK, but it has not been confirmed how long this will last. The dramatic U-turn by the royal family’s prodigal son Harry leaves many questions unanswered. It is not yet clear whether taxpayers will foot the bill for the Sussexes’ security when they return.