Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning a 'faux-royal' tour of Africa, according to sources. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced backlash for using their titles to generate publicity and blending charitable engagements with commercial activities during their recent visit to Australia earlier this month.
Critics have called for the couple to cease carrying out 'royal-style' tours altogether. However, the couple—who married in 2018 before stepping down as senior royals in 2020—are now believed to be planning a similar venture across Africa. It is thought that Harry and Meghan will visit several major cities and undertake philanthropic projects, mirroring their approach in Australia.
Source reveals scope of planned tour
One source said: "They're not calling it a royal tour, but that's exactly how it's being designed. 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."
The destination holds deep personal significance for Harry, who has frequently described Africa as his second home. His first trip to the continent was at age 13, shortly after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Reflecting on that journey, the Duke of Sussex previously 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."
Commercial and philanthropic mix
Royal journalist Rob Shuter reported in his Substack newsletter Naughty But Nice that a source believes Harry and Meghan are likely to combine philanthropic engagements, selected media appearances, and revenue-generating opportunities during this trip. However, some have questioned the purpose of the Australia visit.
Meghan, 44, who is mother to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, faced criticism when she encouraged fans to "call me Meg." One source commented: "Encouraging people to basically 'call me Meg' is being seen by critics as a carefully curated attempt to project approachability, but it is clashing with a long-established perception of her as a multi-millionaire figure with exacting, and well-known diva standards. For some, it comes across less as genuine warmth and more as a calculated rebrand that does not entirely ring true."
Speaking to RadarOnline.com, the insider added: "This kind of informality feels staged, particularly given the level of privilege and expectation that surrounds her, and that disconnect is what people are reacting to so strongly."
