Harry and Meghan Are Planning a New ‘Royal-Style’ Tour After Australia Visit, Source Claims
Harry and Meghan appeared to be recreating the structure of an official royal visit during their Australia tour.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have parted ways with the royal family, but they are still cashing in on the attention they get owing to their connection to the monarchy. The couple's recent Australia tour attracted massive criticism from royal commentators and members of the public, who questioned the nature and purpose of the trip. They argued that the couple appeared to be recreating the structure of an official royal visit despite no longer being working royals. Apart from that, critics also accused them of using their titles for publicity and mixing charitable engagements with commercial ones. Meanwhile, sources are now claiming that Harry and Meghan are once again planning a royal-style tour to a different country.
As reported by Rob Shuter's Naughty But Nice, Africa is currently the leading destination that is being considered by the royal couple, with early discussions hinting at a multi-city tour. The proposed itinerary is said to include philanthropic engagements, selected media appearances, and revenue-generating opportunities. Speaking of this, a source said, “They’re not calling it a royal tour, but that’s exactly how it’s being designed.” They added, “Africa is the focus, and the scope is big. Think Commonwealth-level visibility without the royal stamp. It walks like a royal tour, talks like a royal tour, and that’s the issue.”
If these claims are true, the destination would be deeply personal for Harry, who has often described Africa as his second home. His first trip there came when he was just 13-years-old, shortly after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Recalling the trip, the Duke of Sussex once said, "I first came [to Africa] in 1997, straight after my mum died. My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags. We were going to Africa to get away from it all." As reported by Harper's Bazaar, he added, "I completely fell in love with African Parks because they get things done. They make tough decisions, and they stick to principles. I don't go on safari, I come so I can surround myself with people [working in conservation] and support them."
Ever since then, Harry has returned to the country several times and has built a strong connection with the people over there through his humanitarian work. However, insiders have been suggesting that there is also a wider strategy this time that cannot be overlooked. The source said, “This isn’t random, it’s strategic and safe. If he can’t be embraced in Africa, he can’t be embraced anywhere. This is about relevance, staying global, staying visible, staying royal-adjacent, and making money.”
Meanwhile, earlier in their relationship, Harry and Meghan also travelled together to Botswana in the summer of 2016, just after going on two early dates with each other in London. During their time there, the couple reportedly camped together beneath the open sky and spent five 'fantastic' days together. Harry later described the experience as a memorable one in their early relationship. Not just this, they returned to the country again in 2017 to celebrate Meghan’s 36th birthday there.
