Prince Harry resigns from board of African Parks after rangers' human rights abuses

The Duke of Sussex has stepped down as a trustee of African Parks, the charity that acknowledged last year that some of its rangers in the Republic of the Congo committed human rights abuses. His office said he will continue to support the organisation's conservation work.

Prince Harry has resigned from the board of African Parks, his spokesperson confirmed, in the wake of revelations that rangers working for the conservation charity committed human rights abuses in the Republic of the Congo.

The spokesperson said the duke was no longer a trustee but remained "an active and avid supporter" of African Parks' mission. No further details about the timing or reasons for the resignation were provided by the spokesman.

African Parks, a major organisation active in conservation across the continent, drew international scrutiny last year after admitting that abuses had been carried out by some of its rangers in the Republic of the Congo. The admission placed the charity at the centre of a human rights controversy and prompted questions about oversight and accountability within conservation operations.

The resignation removes a high-profile royal from the charity's board at a sensitive moment for African Parks. Observers say the episode underscores the challenges facing conservation groups that rely on armed field staff to protect wildlife in areas with complex security and governance issues. The duke's office indicated he will continue to support efforts to protect Africa's wildlife, even as he steps away from the board.