The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has resigned from the board of African Parks, a conservation organisation facing scrutiny over alleged abuses by rangers working at one of its protected areas.
A representative for the Duke confirmed his departure, saying he had spent a decade associated with the organisation, including six years as its president before joining its board in 2023.
He will, however, continue backing the charity’s conservation objectives.
African Parks acknowledged last year that members of its ranger force had committed serious abuses against local communities in the Republic of Congo.
An independent inquiry examined accusations that personnel operating in Odzala-Kokoua National Park had assaulted, sexually abused and tortured indigenous residents.
The organisation later said it had strengthened its protection and accountability measures following the findings.
The charity recently announced changes to its board as part of a wider governance review.
In a statement, it praised Prince Harry for helping draw international attention to the protection of endangered wildlife and encouraging philanthropic support for conservation efforts across Africa.
The organisation currently oversees approximately 20 protected areas spanning 12 African nations.
Prince Harry was also involved in the early stages of the 500 Elephants initiative, a major wildlife relocation programme that moved elephants from Malawi to regions where their populations had been badly affected by poaching.
He previously described taking part in the operation as an extraordinary experience.
The Duke’s departure comes as he and his wife, Meghan, prepare to spend more time in Britain with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The family is expected to relocate from California after their children were enrolled at a British school for the new academic year.
Despite the move, there is no indication that their formal status will change, and the couple will continue living as private citizens.
Their return has renewed debate over the security arrangements available to Harry and his family while in Britain. He previously challenged a decision concerning the level of state protection provided to him but lost the case.
Details of the family’s security arrangements during their stay remain uncertain, as do their wider plans for life in Britain.
Meghan is also reportedly exploring a return to acting, with discussions surrounding a possible appearance in the Netflix production The Gentlemen.
Such a role would represent her most prominent acting project since marrying Harry.
The couple withdrew from official royal responsibilities in 2020 and subsequently established their home in California.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong