End of a Decade-Long Commitment
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is stepping down from his position on the board of directors of African Parks, the non-profit organisation responsible for managing 24 protected areas across 13 African countries. The charity announced on August 24, 2026, that the Duke’s departure is part of a broader “governance refresh,” with his tenure officially concluding at the board meeting on September 30.
The resignation marks the end of a ten-year formal relationship between the Duke and the organisation. Prince Harry first became involved with African Parks in 2016, notably supporting a major elephant translocation project in Malawi. He subsequently served as the charity’s president for six years starting in 2017, before joining the governing board of directors in 2023.
Controversies and Institutional Scrutiny
The Duke’s departure comes during a period of significant institutional turbulence for African Parks. In 2025, the organisation admitted to human rights abuses committed by its rangers at the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo. An independent review confirmed reports that Baka community members—indigenous hunter-gatherers—had been subjected to violence, including rape and torture, by rangers tasked with protecting the park’s wildlife.
While African Parks has stated that it has since implemented improved safeguarding processes both locally and institutionally, the organisation has faced sustained criticism for its handling of the allegations and its refusal to publish the full findings of the independent investigation. The charity, which manages over 20 million hectares of land, has also navigated significant diplomatic friction. Late last year, the government of Chad accused African Parks of financial misconduct and arrogance, briefly severing ties before eventually repairing the relationship and signing new long-term agreements in July 2026.
Transition and Future Focus
A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex confirmed that Prince Harry remains a supporter of the organisation’s mission. The charity expressed its “deep gratitude” for the Duke’s contributions, noting that his public profile helped draw global attention to biodiversity protection and philanthropy. Despite this, the move leaves Prince Harry without any formal roles with charities based in Africa, a region that has remained central to his public and private life for many years.
This development arrives as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex prepare for a return to the United Kingdom with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, who are set to begin school in Britain in early September. The timing of the resignation has drawn renewed public interest, occurring just days before the family’s planned arrival.