Prince Harry steps down from African Parks board

Prince Harry has decided to step down from the board of charity African Parks shortly before his planned return to Britain with wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

A representative for Harry said the decision does not reflect any change in his commitment to African conservation. The spokesperson said Harry remains proud of the ten years he spent with the organization and fully supports strengthening its board, adding that he continues to support African Parks' mission.

Investigation into abuse

The decision to step down follows an investigation examining allegations that the organization's rangers in Africa had used violence against local residents. Following the probe, African Parks acknowledged that human rights violations did occur in certain cases and expressed deep regret for the pain and suffering caused to victims.

The organization also acknowledged that the investigation revealed shortcomings in its systems and processes, and pledged to make changes to prevent similar situations from happening again. African Parks said it would take action against any employee found to have been involved in violations.

A long-standing partnership

Harry began working with African Parks in 2016 and became the organization's president in 2017, when he was also appointed to its board. African Parks manages national parks in several African countries and focuses on conservation work.

Harry's departure comes as his relationships with other charitable organizations have also drawn attention. He previously stepped away from Sentebale, a charity he co-founded in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support young people in southern Africa.

As previously reported, Harry and Meghan are preparing to return to Britain with their children for an extended period. The family relocated to California in 2020 after stepping back from official royal duties.