Harry Appointed President of African Parks for Environmental Conservation

On 27/12/2017, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, was officially announced as President of African Parks, a conservation organization focused on managing national parks and protected areas across Africa. The announcement was made during his participation as a guest editor on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, where he highlighted environmental and wildlife conservation issues. In his role as President, Prince Harry aimed to use his international profile to raise awareness of conservation challenges, including habitat loss and wildlife protection. African Parks operates in multiple countries across the continent, working in partnership with governments to restore and manage protected areas. His appointment formalized a growing association with the organization and its conservation efforts. Prince Harry’s involvement with African Parks began prior to the appointment, notably in July 2016 when he spent time in Malawi supporting the “500 Elephants” project. This initiative involved relocating elephants from areas of high population density to regions where numbers had declined, representing one of the largest wildlife translocations of its kind at the time. In 2023, Prince Harry transitioned from his role as President to become a member of the organization’s Board of Directors, continuing his association with African Parks in a governance capacity. Why This Moment Matters: The appointment formalized Prince Harry’s ongoing involvement in conservation initiatives, linking his earlier fieldwork experiences with a leadership role in an organization managing protected areas across Africa.