Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are heading to New York to receive a “Humanitarians of the Year” award at a mental health gala — but their celebration is being clouded by controversy.
The government of Chad has accused African Parks, a conservation charity linked to Prince Harry, of financial misconduct and disrespect.
In a letter, Chad’s Environment Minister, Hassan Bakhit Djamous, claimed the group collected tourist revenues illegally, moved money through offshore accounts, and violated the country’s banking laws. He also accused African Parks of failing to invest properly in local reserves and allowing poaching to rise again.
African Parks, which manages over 20 protected areas in 13 African countries, has big backers including Warren Buffett, Bill Ackman, and organizations like the EU and WWF. Prince Harry served as the charity’s president for six years before joining its board in 2023.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are due to be honored on Wednesday by Project Healthy Minds at a New York event marking World Mental Health Day. The organization said it is recognizing the couple for their work promoting mental well-being, especially among young people.
In a joint statement, Harry and Meghan said:
“Working with families and young people to prioritize safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives. We’re honored to support them and proud to be long-time partners of Project Healthy Minds.”
The charity’s founder, Phillip Schermer, praised the couple’s advocacy, calling it “a privilege” to honor them.
The event comes just days after Meghan’s surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week, where she was spotted with Anna Wintour and Baz Luhrmann. Harry reportedly stayed home with their children, Prince Archie (6) and Princess Lilibet (4).
However, the Africa Parks scandal could overshadow the trip. It follows reports last year of human rights abuses by park rangers under the charity’s control in the Republic of the Congo, including assault and rape allegations against indigenous people.
African Parks has since admitted that “human rights abuses occurred” at one of its parks and said it is working to fix its management failures.
In response to the new claims, the organization said it is in talks with the Chadian government to “understand its position and explore the best way forward.”
Prince Harry has not yet commented on the latest accusations.
