For the second time this year, Prince Harry’s involvement in charitable work has been marred by serious controversy. The latest scandal involves African Parks, a conservation project founded in 2017 with Prince Harry as its president. Originally launched to protect Africa’s endangered wildlife, the organization now finds itself at the center of horrifying allegations.
Rangers Turned Predators
Instead of shielding nature from poachers, some rangers hired through the African Parks initiative are now accused of committing grave crimes against local populations. Reports allege widespread abuse, including robbery, physical violence, torture, and sexual assault of local African women—crimes made all the more disturbing due to the victims’ inability to resist the armed personnel.
Although rumors of misconduct surfaced back in 2023, no concrete evidence was available at the time. However, a recent investigation by London-based law firm Omnia Strategy has now revealed a compelling body of proof. Their findings were submitted directly to African Parks’ leadership, forcing the organization to publicly acknowledge the allegations and issue a formal apology to the victims.
Despite this, no member of the board—including Prince Harry—has admitted any prior knowledge of the abuses. Harry maintains he was unaware of the criminal behavior carried out under the banner of a project he helped create.
A Troubling Pattern?
This is not the first time Prince Harry’s philanthropic efforts in Africa have been questioned. Earlier this year, his Sentebale Foundation, established in memory of Princess Diana to support youth affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, also came under scrutiny. Allegations of financial mismanagement and questionable governance emerged, leading to an internal fallout. When board chair Sophie Chandauka publicly revealed the issues, it sparked a major crisis and ultimately forced Harry to resign from the foundation.
These back-to-back controversies raise pressing questions about oversight and responsibility within the prince’s charitable initiatives. While Harry insists he was unaware of any wrongdoing, critics argue that leadership demands more than good intentions—it requires accountability, especially when the lives and well-being of vulnerable communities are at stake.
