Prince Harry and his elder brother, Prince William, recently experienced a notable disagreement over their respective roles in African conservation efforts, according to Harry’s autobiography, *Spare*. The dispute reportedly arose from competing claims over who should take the lead in championing wildlife and environmental causes on the continent.

Harry recounts that during a heated exchange in the presence of friends, William reacted strongly to the suggestion that they could both support African conservation. William reportedly responded, “Because rhinos, elephants, that’s mine!” Harry interpreted this as his brother asserting a sense of entitlement over Africa’s wildlife conservation initiatives due to his position as heir to the British throne, describing Africa as “his thing.”

This month, Harry is set to step down from his role with African Parks, a multimillion-dollar charity where he served as a patron. African Parks has previously faced criticism following reports that some of its rangers were implicated in human rights abuses against indigenous communities in the Republic of the Congo. Meanwhile, William continues his involvement in the region as the royal patron of Tusk and founder of the wildlife protection coalition United for Wildlife.

The tension between the brothers has drawn attention and concern from conservationists within Africa. Adams Cassinga, a Congolese conservationist and founder of Conserv Congo, emphasized that African wildlife and ecosystems are not the domain of foreign royals or international organizations. He stated that species such as rhinos, elephants, bonobos, and lions, along with the forests they inhabit, are integral to the heritage and livelihoods of African nations and local communities who have coexisted with them for generations.

Cassinga acknowledged the value of international funding in conservation but called for a shift in approach. He argued that future conservation efforts should prioritize the voices and priorities of African conservationists and communities themselves, asking them what future they envision for their natural heritage and how external supporters can stand alongside them.

The episode underscores broader debates about the role of international figures and NGOs in African conservation and the importance of centering local agency in environmental stewardship.