Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Controversial Visit: Harry and Meghan's New York Gala Amid Chad Scandal

Harry and Meghan are set to be recognised as 'humanitarians' by a mental health initiative they have supported on several occasions this week (pictured at a 2023 World Mental Health Day event organised by Project Healthy Minds)

ROYAL SCANDAL ROCKS: Harry and Meghan's Big Night Out in New York Threatened by African Parks Controversy

The glamour of New York City's Spring Studios is set to be eclipsed by a major controversy as Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, prepare to attend the prestigious Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival tomorrow. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to receive the coveted "Humanitarians of the Year" award for their tireless work in advancing mental wellbeing worldwide, but a scathing letter from the government of Chad threatens to tarnish the celebratory mood.

At the center of the controversy is African Parks, a charity with which Prince Harry has a long-standing association. The organization, which counts among its board members the Duke of Sussex, has been accused by Chad's Environment Minister Hassan Bakhit Djamous of financial misconduct and "disrespect" towards his government. In a four-page letter, Mr. Djamous alleged that African Parks had engaged in a series of illicit activities, including the unauthorized collection of tourist revenues, the use of tax-sheltering bank accounts on the Isle of Man, and the transfer of assets abroad in flagrant violation of Chad's banking laws.

The pair will be recognised by Project Healthy Minds - with whom their charity, Archewell, has collaborated extensively (pictured: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at a World Mental Health Day event organised by both bodies)

The allegations are particularly damaging given the charity's close ties to Prince Harry. The Duke was president of African Parks for six years before joining its board in 2023, and the organization has received significant backing from high-profile donors, including billionaire investors Warren Buffett and Bill Ackman. However, it seems that the charity's reputation may be about to take a hit.

In his letter, Mr. Djamous claimed that there had been a resurgence in poaching at reserves managed by African Parks, despite the organization's claims of success in protecting these critical ecosystems. He also accused the charity of failing to invest adequately in the conservation efforts and of demonstrating a "recurring indelicate and disrespectful attitude" towards his government.

The allegations come just days after Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week, where she rubbed shoulders with fashion icon Anna Wintour and director Baz Luhrmann. Meanwhile, Prince Harry has been keeping a low profile, staying home to care for their two young children, Archie and Lillibet.

Prince Harry (pictured 2019) was African Park's President for six years until being elevated to the governing board of directors in 2023. He is said to have been fully involved in plans to change the charity

But the controversy surrounding African Parks is far from new. Last year, The Scholarly Note reported on allegations of human rights abuses by staff linked to the charity in the rainforests of the Republic of the Congo. An investigation found evidence of intimidation, abuse, and even rape inflicted on indigenous people, including a woman who claimed to have been raped while clinging to her newborn baby.

African Parks has acknowledged that human rights abuses did occur at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in 2023, but the charity has refused to publicly share the results of an independent review carried out by London law firm Omnia Strategy LLP. Instead, the organization claimed that it was taking steps to implement reforms and improve its systems and processes.

The scandal is set to cast a shadow over Prince Harry's appearance at the Project Healthy Minds festival, where he and Meghan are expected to be feted for their work in promoting mental wellbeing among young people. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been vocal about their commitment to supporting families and children, but it remains to be seen whether they will address the controversy surrounding African Parks during their acceptance speech.

Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho walked away from children's charity Sentebale earlier this year

As one insider noted, "This is a major embarrassment for Prince Harry and his team. They've been so focused on promoting themselves as champions of mental health that they seem to have neglected the very organization they're associated with." The scandal raises important questions about accountability and transparency in the charitable sector, and whether organizations like African Parks are truly committed to protecting the environment and promoting human rights.

African Parks' Response

In a statement, African Parks claimed that it was "in talks" with the government of Chad to "better understand their position" and explore ways to continue supporting conservation efforts in the country. However, critics argue that this response is inadequate given the severity of the allegations.

The charity's chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, had made claims of bullying and harassment that were later not found to be proved

"African Parks needs to come clean about what's really going on," said one expert. "They can't just sweep these allegations under the rug and expect everything to go back to normal."

As for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, their appearance at the Project Healthy Minds festival will be closely watched by fans and critics alike. Will they address the controversy surrounding African Parks, or will they try to sidestep it? Only time will tell.

A Timeline of Events

The Duke of Sussex, while he worked in Malawi with African Parks as part of an initiative involving moving 500 elephants over 200 miles across the country in 2016

  • 2010: African Parks takes over management of Zakouma National Park in Chad
  • 2023: Prince Harry joins African Parks' board as a member
  • December 2023: Allegations of human rights abuses by staff linked to African Parks emerge in the rainforests of the Republic of the Congo
  • January 2024: An investigation by The Scholarly Note finds evidence of intimidation, abuse, and rape inflicted on indigenous people at Odzala-Kokoua National Park
  • May 2024: African Parks acknowledges that human rights abuses did occur at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in 2023, but refuses to publicly share the results of an independent review
  • September 2024: Prince Harry attends an African Parks event despite allegations of human rights abuses
  • October 2024: The government of Chad issues a scathing letter accusing African Parks of financial misconduct and disrespect

What's Next?

As the controversy surrounding African Parks continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will address the issue during their acceptance speech at the Project Healthy Minds festival. Will they try to distance themselves from the charity, or will they stand by their association with African Parks despite the allegations? One thing is certain: this is a major scandal that will continue to make headlines in the days to come.

African Parks has helped to relocate critically endangered animals such as black rhinos (pictured) away from zones of poaching - but has been accused of not properly resourcing anti-poaching activities in Chad

The Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve in Chad (pictured) was one of several managed by African Parks on behalf of the Chadian government

Zakouma National Park, home to a large elephant population, was managed by African Parks until Chad ended the deal