The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have been at the center of much speculation regarding their future roles within the royal family. Recent reports suggest that the couple, along with their newborn son Archie, might be considering a move to Africa, a continent deeply intertwined with Prince Harry’s personal and philanthropic endeavors.
Prince Harry’s connection to Africa runs deep, stemming from his early exposure to the continent’s beauty and challenges. In 2006, he co-founded Sentebale, a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people affected by HIV in Lesotho, Botswana, and Malawi. His commitment to Africa’s well-being has been unwavering, and he has often referred to Botswana as his “second home.” It was in Botswana, amidst its serene landscapes, where Prince Harry took Meghan Markle on one of their first dates, solidifying the country’s significance in their relationship.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during their tour of Southern Africa in 2019.
The Sunday Times, citing a royal source, reported that discussions are underway to explore a new international role for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, potentially involving a move to Africa. This potential move is seen as an opportunity for the couple to leverage their global platform and “soft power” to further their humanitarian work and promote the Commonwealth. The source indicated that Africa is the preferred choice for this new venture, reflecting Prince Harry’s deep affection for the continent and the couple’s shared passion for creating positive change.
However, Buckingham Palace has chosen to remain tight-lipped on the matter, stating that “any future plans for The Duke and Duchess are speculative at this stage.” The Palace emphasized that “no decisions have been taken about future roles.” While the Palace’s response does not confirm the rumors, it also doesn’t outright deny the possibility of a move to Africa.
The speculation surrounding the couple’s future comes at a time when the British monarchy is navigating evolving roles and responsibilities within its ranks. Prince William, as the second in line to the throne, is increasingly taking on more duties in preparation for his future role as king. Prince Harry’s path, however, appears to be diverging from the traditional trajectory of senior royals.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have expressed their desire to forge their own path and create a distinct identity within the royal family. Their decision to establish their own household, separate from Kensington Palace, and their independent approach to social media management signal their intention to carve out their unique space.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attending the Endeavour Fund Awards in London in 2020.
A move to Africa, if it were to materialize, would be a significant departure from royal tradition. It would allow Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to embrace a more independent and internationally-focused role, while remaining active members of the royal family. Their potential relocation could provide them with the platform and freedom to champion causes close to their hearts and make a tangible difference on a global scale.
As the world awaits further developments and official announcements, the possibility of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embarking on a new chapter in Africa continues to captivate the imagination. Their potential move represents a blend of personal aspirations, royal duty, and a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
