Prince Harry, African Parks, and the Growing Scrutiny Around Royal Charity Work
It started quietly — a diplomatic statement from the government of Chad announcing that it would end its 15-year partnership with African Parks, the conservation organization once led by Prince Harry. Within days, international headlines followed, raising questions about governance, transparency, and the challenges of managing large-scale charities in politically sensitive regions. African Parks, founded in 2000, oversees dozens of protected areas across Africa and has long been praised for its work in restoring biodiversity and supporting local communities. Prince Harry served as its president from 2017 until he stepped down in 2023, citing a desire to focus on his other charitable commitments. Under his leadership, African Parks expanded its footprint and secured global partnerships — including with governments and private donors across Europe and the United States. But in early October, the Chadian Ministry of Environment issued a strongly worded statement alleging that the or...