All eyes are on Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry as they prepare to welcome their first child any day now, but there’s another big piece of news about the royals that’s got everyone talking.
In April, whispers emerged that the pair were looking to move away from the United Kingdom to a place that would further their senior roles within the Commonwealth and help them to connect with a broader audience of people.
On April 21, The Times reported that the Sussexes would move to Africa for two to three years, where the pair would have the chance to harness their global appeal.
The news sent the internet abuzz, with many questioning why Harry and Meghan would leave their new home in the UK so soon after becoming new parents.
But now, it seems that the rumours can be put to bed as a new report by respected royal commentator Omid Scobie reveals there’s a lot more to the story than people think.
In a report for Harpers BAZAAR US, Scobie revealed that while it’s entirely possible that the couple intend to work in Africa, it would only be for “a short stint”.
“Britain is their home and where they want to raise their family,” a friend of the Sussexes revealed.
The couple, who have just moved to their brand new home in Windsor, Frogmore Cottage, still have every intention of working on Commonwealth projects – but leaving the UK for “more than a year” is not part of their plan.
“Both the duke and duchess are keen to balance projects in Britain and overseas, particularly countries in Africa. There are many exciting possibilities,” the source explained.
“But moving away for years? That’s not an idea they are throwing around. We’re talking a few months away or a series of trips.”
Reports have been rife claiming that Harry and Meghan plan to move to Africa in the near future. (Image: Getty)
While moving countries might be off the cards as the royals settle into life as new parents, it’s clear the pair will still have plenty of involvement in developing relations between Commonwealth countries.
Indeed, the pair both hold important positions within the Commonwealth – Prince Harry is president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, while Meghan was recently made Vice President.
What’s more, the pair already share a close affinity with Africa, where the pair spent some time together during their early days of courting.
In 2017, Harry and Meghan visited Botswana where they worked with organisation Elephants Without Borders.
Fans were given a welcome reminder of the poignant trip earlier in April when the pair shared an amazing never-before seen picture of themselves equipping a bull elephant with a satellite collar.
The image was shared on their new Instagram profile @SussexRoyal along with the caption: “These communities (park rangers, school children, families) are on the front line of conservation and we must do more to help them as we also work to safeguard the animals and landscapes that are in critical danger.”
The amazing new picture showed the royals like we’d never seen them before. (Image: Instagram / @SussexRoyal)
What’s more, Harry later took to Instagram to share a series of amazing photographs he had snapped himself in Africa for Earth Day on April 22 – proving both Harry and Meghan’s passion for the countries within the continent.
“Every one of us can make a difference, not just today but everyday #earthday”, the caption read, after referencing a number of stunning snaps of wildlife and landscapes.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan shared a series of amazing pictures taken by the Prince himself for Earth Day. (Source: Instagram/@SussexRoyal)
And while it would be safe to say the royal couple live a lifestyle somewhat more confined to royal rules and regulations that perhaps the lifestyle of us ordinary folk, Scobie said the pair are still capable of making their own decisions when it comes to where they live.
“Let’s be clear about one thing: Any decision the couple make about their future will be made by themselves for themselves,” the source explained, before adding that Harry and Meghan’s personal desires to reach people “on a global level” will continue to drive them.
“Aside from the Queen and Prince Charles, they’re not looking to other family members, or their teams, for guidance.”
It is understood any announcements about the couple’s future projects abroad won’t be made until mid-2020 as Harry and Meghan focus on parenthood for now.
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