The strain on Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationship pre-dates Meghan Markle and was sparked following an issue involving conservation in Africa, claims a palace insider.
Both brothers are passionate about conservation but, according to sources, the pair got into a row about how to carry it out and who was responsible for what.
Sharing a charitable foundation, William and Harry are said to have regularly disagreed on the best way to reduce poaching and save endangered species in Africa.
A source told The Times: “They are both very passionate about saving protected species but didn’t always share the same view about how to run projects in Africa.”
The insider added: “William believes you should focus on community-led schemes where local people over time feel empowered to protect the land. Harry, on the other hand, was more interventionist.”
He believed Harry felt the best way forward was a “more hands-on approach” to ensure wildlife habitats were securely protected to enact change quickly.
William’s approach was not without its dangers. His good friend Anton Mzimba, 42, a ranger in Kruger national park, was killed by gunmen. Harry’s approach, however, has fuelled tensions with communities who have been cut off from age-old grazing and herding routes, as reported in the Times.
Harry is reportedly working on a new Netflix documentary about his conservation work in Africa, and recently, a Netflix executive revealed new plans were in the works with the Californian-based couple and streaming giant.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that rangers paid by African Parks, which he serves as president of the board of directors, have been accused of raping and beating indigenous people.
The charity employs more than 1,000 people in 22 national parks across 12 countries in Africa. The abuse is alleged to have taken place in the Republic of the Congo.
Despite calls for Prince Harry to stand down, a spokesperson said: “When the duke became aware of these serious allegations, he immediately escalated them to the CEO and chairman of the board of African Parks, the appropriate people to handle next steps.”
