The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will make a long-rumored trip to Africa this fall, stopping in South Africa, Angola, and Malawi, Buckingham Palace confirmed Thursday.
Meghan and Harry’s trip to South Africa will be an official visit at the request of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
“In addition, the Duke of Sussex will visit Angola and Malawi at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office,” the palace said in a statement.
Prince Harry will also undertake a “working visit” to Botswana while in the region, and the palace said further details will be sent in due course.
The news comes after it was announced this week that Meghan and Harry spent £2.4 million(about $3 million) of British taxpayers’ money on renovations to their new home, according to the Royal Household’s latest annual financial statement.
The couple’s official residence, Frogmore Cottage, on Windsor Estate, west of London, underwent extensive structural changes to bring five units into a single home with modern amenities for their growing family.
Meghan and Harry moved into the Grade II-listed building just before the arrival of their baby son Archie in May.
Details about the couple’s tour of Africa were first reported in April, fueling speculation that the couple were considering a longer-term move to the continent.
The Sunday Times reported that the visit would focus on youth empowerment, education and conservation.
“They hope to take the baby with them but will make a decision nearer the time. Potentially, Meghan and the baby could do some, if not all, of the trip,” the paper quoted a royal source as saying.
Commenting on the rumors at the time, Buckingham Palace said they could not comment on the specific report and that “any official visits or tours undertaken by any members of the royal family are announced in the usual way.”
A report by the same newspaper claimed the royal couple were considering moving to Africa for up to two or three years after their baby was born.
According to the report, David Manning — the former British ambassador to the US and special adviser on international affairs to Prince Harry — has proposed a plan for the pair to take on a more international position that could build on their work for the Commonwealth. A decision is not expected until 2020, the paper said.
It isn’t known which African countries Harry and Meghan might consider moving to, but there are 19 Commonwealth nations on the continent, including South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda and Ghana.
The couple have already visited North Africa on an official royal engagement, touring Morocco in February.
