His dedication and passion for this cause were widely acknowledged, with the organization's CEO expressing appreciation for his commitment in August 2022. Notably, in the same year, he hosted a group of U.S. officials, conservationists, and philanthropists during a tour of wildlife and nature reserves in Zambia, Namibia, and Rwanda.
However, Prince Harry's shift from the presidency to the board of directors has raised questions. Some perceive this move as a demotion, as it carries less influence compared to the role of President. It is important to mention that Prince Harry initiated this change himself, likely in an effort to maintain his status as a member of the royal family. This transition occurred shortly before the arrival of the king and queen in Kenya
This shift in Prince Harry's position is happening concurrently with other significant events within the royal family. For instance, David Beckham was invited by King Charles to a dinner where he was appointed as an ambassador for the king's charity. The official announcement of Prince Harry's new position described him as a humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist.
It's worth noting that there are different boards within the African Parks Network, and Prince Harry is specifically in a non-managerial role on the board for South Africa. This change in his role signifies a significant shift after serving as the president for six years.
Additionally, this shift coincides with other notable activities within the royal family. Prince William, for example, hosted a global summit addressing Southeast Asia's illegal wildlife trade, further highlighting the family's commitment to conservation efforts. Some have interpreted Prince Harry's actions as an attempt to vie for attention within the royal family, amid a backdrop of evolving dynamics.
Furthermore, there have been observations about Prince Harry's evolving social circles. He appears to be distancing himself from his older friends in favor of mingling with the rich and famous. Royal commentator Phil Dampier commented on this shift in a recent interview, noting that Prince Harry's recent behavior, such as attending high-profile events, has contributed to his perception as a somewhat solitary figure.
According to Dampier, Prince Harry often seems to be in the company of corporate PR professionals who advise and manage his business affairs. Dampier suggested that Prince Harry doesn't appear as content as before and seems to be prioritizing associations with celebrities and the wealthy, potentially at the expense of his older friends from the UK. This shift in social circles, as perceived by Dampier, appears to be part of a broader transformation in Prince Harry's life.
