Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce their plans for Archie’s first trip to Africa

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing to take baby Archie on his first royal trip and the family of three are heading to Africa. The royal couple announced their plans in June and now they’ve shared their itinerary for the trip scheduled September 23 to October 2. Don’t expect to see any hostels.The couple’s official Instagram account announced the trip on June 27, saying that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been asked to “carry out a tour of Southern Africa this autumn.” The trip will include official visits, revealing “The Duke carrying out visits to Malawi ?? and Angola ??. His Royal Highness will also do a short working visit to Botswana ?? en route to the other countries.” Counting the trip as “… their first official tour as a family,” Harry and Meghan will be bringing Archie, which marks the baby’s first international trip. We assume his passport picture is very, very cute.

 

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TRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are excited to announce that they have been asked to carry out a tour to Southern Africa this autumn. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have requested a visit to South Africa ?? as well as The Duke carrying out visits to Malawi ?? and Angola ??. His Royal Highness will also do a short working visit to Botswana ?? en route to the other countries. The Duke and Duchess are really looking forward to meeting so many of you on the ground and continuing to raise awareness of the high impact work local communities are doing across the Commonwealth and beyond. This will be their first official tour as a family!

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jun 27, 2019 at 8:14am PDT

Now the Duke and Duchess have provided more details on their upcoming African adventure, which will begin in two weeks. According to the couple’s Instagram page, the visit will focus “on community, grassroots leadership, women’s and girls’ rights, mental health, HIV/AIDS and the environment.” Describing the trip as ‘months in the making,’ the royal family will meet with dignitaries and leaders. “From meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu to joining ‘Waves for Change’ on Monwabisi Beach, the South Africa programme will be educational and inspiring,” reads the announcement.Prince Harry’s time in Africa will focus on continuing “the legacy left by his mother with her work in Angola as he joins Halo Trust again in an effort to rid the world of landmines. HRH will also travel to Malawi where he will check in on the British Army’s partnership with African Parks and will be working on the ground supporting local communities.” Continuing their environmental efforts, Harry will also be delivering “…an exciting new initiative, a Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy three-country partnership which he designed and consulted with Governments in Namibia, Botswana and Angola to protect forest and wildlife corridors around the Okavango Delta.”As for Meghan, her work will be centered around improving the lives of girls and women. According to today’s announcement, “The Duchess will be working with local organisations to promote women and girls’ health and education, entrepreneurship and leadership.” As for Archie, we’ve been told* his official duty is to look cute and let mom and dad get some sleep.

 

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Today, we are excited to be able to announce details for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s upcoming tour to Africa! ???????? • In just two weeks, Their Royal Highnesses will embark on this official tour focusing on community, grassroots leadership, women’s and girls’ rights, mental health, HIV/AIDS and the environment. This programme has been many months in the making, and The Duke and Duchess are eager to focus their energies on the great work being done in Southern Africa. From meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu to joining ‘Waves for Change’ on Monwabisi Beach, the South Africa programme will be educational and inspiring. The Duke is especially proud to continue the legacy left by his mother with her work in Angola as he joins Halo Trust again in an effort to rid the world of landmines. HRH will also travel to Malawi where he will check in on the British Army’s partnership with African Parks and will be working on the ground supporting local communities. The Duke is particularly proud to be able to deliver an exciting new initiative, a Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy three-country partnership which he designed and consulted with Governments in Namibia, Botswana and Angola to protect forest and wildlife corridors around the Okavango Delta. The Duchess will be working with local organisations to promote women and girls’ health and education, entrepreneurship and leadership. With such a textured culture and history, Their Royal Highnesses are grateful for the opportunity to connect with those on the ground in Southern Africa and to be inspired by the work being done and learn how they can be better supported. As President and Vice President of The Queens Commonwealth Trust and The Duke’s role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, The Duke and Duchess cannot wait to meet with young leaders mobilising change and adding to the beauty of these Commonwealth countries ???????? • “We look forward to seeing you soon!” • Photo ©️ PA images / Tim Graham - Getty Images / @Sentebale /@AfricanParksNetwork / @YouthAlert

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Sep 6, 2019 at 5:57am PDT

Harry and Meghan have a long history with Africa. Harry set up his charity Sentebale in Lesotho to help children affected by HIV and AIDS and has spent years bringing awareness to the endangered animals in the area. The couple spent time in Botswana during their early months of dating, but for the upcoming trip it has been confirmed that Meghan and Archie will remain in South Africa while Harry travels without them. And for those wondering, they’re flying commercial.*Not really, but we’re sending good vibes to all parents dealing with international travel and time zone changes.