Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Announce the Jam-Packed Schedule for Their Africa Tour
News of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Archie's royal tour of Africa first broke in June—and since then, details about their trip have started to trickle in. Here's what we know so far.
The trip will include visits to four countries.
At the request of the U.K.'s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to visit South Africa this fall, with the Duke also visiting Angola and Malawi—and he'll tack on a working trip to Botswana, too.
The royal couple have confirmed that their trip would begin on September 23, and will end on October 2. "Not only will this visit serve as an opportunity for The Duke and Duchess to highlight many of the causes they have been involved with for many years, it will demonstrate a modern UK-Africa partnership in action," read a statement from the palace.
Meghan and Archie will only travel to South Africa, though.
Meghan and Archie will visit South Africa with Harry; the Duke will visit Angola, Malawi, and Botswana on his own. The couple have said they "hope to include" Archie in their tour, but it's still not clear if or when he'll appear publicly.
Among many other events, visits, and receptions in South Africa, the royal couple are set to meet Graça Machel, Nelson Mandela's widow, as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife.
Meghan's engagements will highlight causes close to her heart.
"The Duchess will be working with organisations to promote women’s education, health, entrepreneurship and leadership," read a statement from the palace. "The Duchess of Sussex is particularly looking forward to the opportunity to learn from inspirational women in the region. As Patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Her Royal Highness will meet female entrepreneurs, academics and community leaders, and join discussions with Southern African young women about the future of their countries."
In Angola, Harry will continue his mother's work.
Not long before her death, Diana brought attention to the necessity of banning landmines—and safely removing existing ones—by walking through an active landmine area in Angola.
Now, Harry will launch the Angolan government's new de-mining project in a different area, as well as visit Huambo, where Diana went.
A source told the Mirror, "[Harry's] trip to Africa comes at a time in his life where he has become a parent himself. Diana had a great affinity with children and recognized the worth of having boots on the ground could affect change in such an important way. This is all about wanting to fulfill his mother’s legacy and showing his wife and baby son the places that have had the most positive affect on him in his life."
In Malawi, the prince will focus on conservation.
In addition to other engagements, Harry will witness an anti-poaching demonstration, and meet local park rangers working to save animals from illegal trade. The royal is President of African Parks and Patron of Rhino Conservation Botswana.
In Botswana, he'll continue his work with a charity he co-founded.
Among other causes, the Duke will highlight Sentebale—a charity supporting children affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho, Botswana, and Malawi. Harry cofounded the organization with Lesotho's Prince Seeiso.
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