As Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan prepare for the imminent arrival of Baby Sussex after moving into newly renovated Frogmore Cottage, a British newspaper is reporting that plans are afoot that will see the couple relocate to Africa.
According to the Sunday Times, advisers to the prince are cooking up a “bespoke” role for the couple that will combine working on behalf of the Commonwealth in addition to charity that could see them moving to Africa after the birth of their first child, due to arrive any day now.
The plan, reports the Times, has been drawn up by Sir David Manning, former British ambassador to the U.S., who serves as special adviser on constitutional and international affairs to Harry and his brother.
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“The proposal would give the couple the chance to enjoy a break from the divisions that have riven the royal household in recent months while “harnessing” their global appeal for Britain,” notes the Times, referring to rumours of a royal rift between Harry and Meghan and Prince William and Kate Middleton.
However, it doesn’t appear that a move is imminent, with a decision on where the couple will be based unlikely to be reached until next year, after the couple have had some time to settle in with their new baby.
According to Buckingham Palace insiders, a “hybrid role” is being developed that will take the couple away from Britain for two or three years. “Discussions are at an early stage, but the plan is to find a new way of using their soft power abilities, most likely in Africa,” a source told the Times.
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“There are discussions in palace circles about: how do we harness Harry and Meghan? How do you harness this phenomenon that has emerged? You make it productive,” another source confirmed.
Meanwhile, “a source close to the royal household” added, “The view is: there’s an element of letting things work out for a bit. But people have moved from containment to harnessing. There’s been a reset.”
On Sunday morning, Buckingham Palace issued a statement addressing the Times article, but doesn’t deny that Harry and Meghan could relocate outside of Britain.
“Any future plans for the Duke and Duchess are speculative at this stage. No decisions have been taken about future roles,” reads the statement, according to Daily Express royal correspondent Richard Palmer. “The Duke will continue to fulfill his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.”
