On 23rd September 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex undertook an official visit to parts of Southern Africa. Their 4 month old son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, was also on the trip, although this was not his first flight or visit abroad, as his parents have taken him on private holidays abroad. This trip to the African continent was especially close to the couple’s heart, as they visited Botswana previously, before their marriage, and the Duchess’s engagement ring features a diamond from Botswana. With a difficult summer of negative press reports, the couple had a chance to regain positive press coverage, and show the world what they really stood for. I think their achievement was excellent, and they clearly worked hard. Both of them have shown throughout this tour that they take their role as members of the royal family seriously, and they want to use their positions for good.
The visit began in Cape Town, South Africa, where their commercial British Airways flight landed. No doubt many were pleased at their choice of transportation, following negative press for their previous use of private jets, which some found especially abhorrent due to the couple's public demonstration of their support of the environment and anti-climate change. They arrived with Baby Archie privately. The Duke and Duchess then had an official welcome in the town of Nyanga, considered the murder capital of South Africa. I think the couple’s choice to start their tour in this town shows they value the people their, that they understand their difficult lifestyles, and the crime they are exposed to.
They began with a visit to the initiative, The Justice Desk, where they watched a workshop that taught children about their rights, self-awareness and safety, and also self-defense classes and female empowerment training. The organisation is supported by The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, of which Harry is president and Meghan vice-president. There was a carnival atmosphere, with traditional dances performed by women in traditional costume; the couple joined in and showed their moves! The Duchess wore a dress by Mayamiko, a brand from Malawi, to show her support of the continent’s fashion industry. As is usual, the dress sold out after Meghan was seen in it, helping support the local fashion industry economy. Speaking to those there, Meghan said the couple had been following the news of protests in the town to protect women from rape and murder, a sign that the couple genuinely care.
Both the Duke and Duchess made speeches, with Meghan’s being particularly noteworthy. She said, “Now I know it's not easy and I know it must feel insurmountable at times, but your commitment to what is right gives all of us hope, especially your brothers and sisters here in your community who need you to continue to shine your light brightly. Your commitment is inspiring, it is energising and it is extraordinary. You must keep going, you must know that what you're doing not only matters, it is vital because you are vital. And just on one personal note, may I just say that while I am here with my husband as a member of the Royal Family, I want you to know that for me I am here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of colour and as your sister."
I think the Duchess’s personal touch has done more than we can truly assess. Suddenly, the royal family has credit, or authenticity, for speaking to this group of people, because of Meghan’s ethnicity, and campaign work. Indeed, as she said, her campaign for female empowerment is personally important to her, credited because she began the work before marrying into the royal family. But, that said, they are there to represent the Queen and Great Britain, albeit hopefully a diverse and tolerant Great Britain that Meghan does so well at embodying, but I hope that people still see them as representatives of something larger, and not just two individuals with their own charitable and political agendas.
Whilst at The Justice Desk, the executive, Jessica Dewhurst, revealed Archie’s Xhosa African name. Archie means, “bravery and strength,” she said, and to, “welcome him home, your family at the Justice Desk has given him the traditional South African name Ntsika. This name of Xhosa African origin means, ‘pillar of strength,’- may you always be a pillar of strength to those that need you.” Xhosa is one of the official languages of South Africa. I find it so interesting that Ms Dewhurst said, “to welcome him home.” I think she is referring to Meghan’s african roots. How wonderful it is, and unprecedented, that a member of the British royal family is considered to be coming home to Africa. This is just another example of the excellent role Meghan is playing in our royal family, that she enables Britain to have better, more intimate, relations with other countries.
Their next stop was a tour of the District Six Museum, learning about their work to reunite members of the community who were forcibly relocated during the era of apartheid. To finish the day, they partook in a cooking activity at the nearby Homecoming Centre, with former residents of District Six. The dishes were cooked by local women and showcases the power of food to bring communities together. This is an area the Duchess feels passionate about, as we have seen in her support of The Hubb Community Kitchen and cookbook, created by women affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster.
The second day saw the couple visit Monwabisi Beach to learn about the work of Waves for Change; training and support for young people is provided by local surf mentors. Meghan sported a casual look of jeans, a white shirt, and a denim jacket. Perhaps a little too casual for me with a denim jacket, but I can see why she chose this look. Ever the ones to be hands on and understand what charities and organisations are doing, they sat on the grass with a group of young people to take part in a power hand activity, declaring their personal strengths. The couple gave a video interview at the start of the day, saying they had kept informed of current affairs in South Africa ahead of their visit, and spoke of their excitement for the tour. Speaking about the struggle of mental health, the Duchess said, "we're all trying to power through and find some optimism." A video interview is a novelty in terms of royal tours, and I can see how it helps them reach people and promote the charities and organisations they are on tour to help.
The Duke and Duchess saw the work of The Lunchbox Fund, one of the four charities that benefited from donations made by the public to celebrate the birth of Archie. The Lunchbox Fund provides around 30,000 meals a day to programs organised by Waves for Change and also schools in towns and rural areas across South Africa. The couple met the leader of the Commonwealth Litter Program, Dr Thomas Maes, during the event. The Commonwealth Litter Program, with support from the South African Department of Environmental Affairs, funds research and action to tackle plastic waste in six Commonwealth countries. It looks at tackling plastic waste and educating communities on the impact of micro plastics in the ocean.
The Duke and Duchess then split (sharing a public kiss before getting into separate cars, something the public go crazy for, but I think PDA should be minimal to keep things professional), to allow Harry to join the City of Cape Town Marine Unit, and travelled by boat to Seal Island, Kalk Bay. The Duke learnt about the role they play in combating poaching of abalone, which is considered the most significant illegal wildlife trade in South Africa. The Duke’s commitment to combating illegal poaching is one inherited from his father Prince Charles, and shared by his brother Prince William. Harry was accompanied by two members of the Royal Marines who have been providing capacity building and skills training to the Marine Unit, as he is Captain General of the Royal Marines.
Harry was then rejoined by his wife, to celebrate Heritage Day, a celebration of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs and traditions, in the Bo Kaap area. They met representatives from different faith groups at the oldest mosque in the country, Auwal mosque. They took part in inter-faith discussions yo promote understanding between different faiths. The Duchess respectfully wore a floor length dress in what I thought was a beautiful shade of green then really suited her complexion, and a cream headscarf. With the Queen's role as head of the Church of England, I believe one of the royal family's roles should be to have these dialogues and promote understanding across different religions and faith groups. They then visited a local resident’s home for a cup of tea. That evening saw their first evening engagement at the British High Commissioner’s Residence, where a reception was held. To underline the rich and diverse nature of the UK’s modern partnership with South Africa, they met inspiring opinion formers and young future leaders.
Day three began with the Duke and Duchess meeting Archbishop Desmond Tutu at the Desmond & Leah Legacy foundation. This saw the first appearance of Baby Archie on the trip. The couple with their young son met the Archbishop and his daughter, Thandeka Tutu Gxashe. The intimate moment was very special, with Archie, who was wearing blue and white striped dungarees, gurgling and smiling, causing Ms Tutu Gxashe to say, “cameras” were in his “genes.” The Duke said, “I think he’s used to it already,” whilst the Duchess reflected, “He’s an old soul.” I am so pleased that the couple let their son make an official appearance on this tour. They have been, and in a way quite rightly, protective of their son’s privacy. But they are the royal family, and one of their jobs is to be seen, whatever their age. But I am impressed that they found a more private, quiet moment, to let their son play his royal role. Commenting on the Sussex’s decision to start their tour in one of the most dangerous townships of South Africa, the Archbishop said, “Thank you for your concern and interest in the welfare of our people. It’s very heartwarming to realise that you really, genuinely are caring people,” he said. The Duke replied: “We all try to make things better.”
The Duke then left for Botswana, with the Duchess remaining in South Africa. Meghan met female entrepreneurs and investors working in technology at the Woodstock Exchange, highlighting the benefits of networking between aspiring female entrepreneurs and successful female role models. Talking about the stresses of working and being a mother, she said, “It must be a lot to juggle. We're only five months in right now. Being a working mum and travelling as well with a baby, my goodness it's a lot, but it's all so exciting.” Lara Rosmarin, who met the Duchess, said: 'I think the Duchess really understood to pressures on working women which was so appreciated. She is a working mother herself and mixing that in with all the travelling and projects she has, it's inspiring for other women and young people to see that she is making such a success out of her life and helping others with her charitably endeavours.”
The Duchess then went to the city’s mothers2mothers organisation. There she made a donation of clothes and toys to the charity. The gifts that the Duke and Duchess brought with them from the UK were all given by the public or organisations to Baby Archie, but one baby could not possible use them all, so the couple gave them away. I think this idea was innovative, and a very clear way of showing how willing the Sussex’s are to share with others. This move was both environmentally friendly and philanthropic, but a small part of me thought, is this trying too hard? Are they trying too hard to gain a good reputation, especially following a wave of negative press is recent months. But I like to think they were doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. But maybe a less public way of donating the clothes would have looked less presumptuous.
Harry began the fourth day of the trip at Chobe Forest Tree Reserve in Botswana, helping children realise the fragility of the ecosystem, and planting trees with them. Speaking about climate change, "There's an emergency. It's a race against time that we are losing. There's no excuse for not knowing that." Some local children performed traditional dances while Harry watched.
He then visited a local project, Kasane Health Post, run by his charity, Sentebale, which focuses on improving the mental health of young people affected by HIV. To welcome the Duke, the group had written on the blackboard, welcome Archie's father.” Harry took part in a confidence building exercise. Sentebale was founded by the Duke along with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, in memory of their mother’s, to help children affected by HIV and AIDs in Lesotho and Botswana. Sentebale means, ‘forget me not,’ in Sesotho, a lovely link to the late Diana, Princess of Wales’s favourite flowers, forget-me-nots.
Later, Harry joined a Defence Force anti-poaching patrol. The patrol began on the Chobe river Next he travelled to Angola, ready for the next day’s activities. Meanwhile, Meghan attended a breakfast at the High Commission in Cape Town, for, “Women in Public Service.” Invitee’s have contributed in Parliament, Government, education and healthcare and continue to advocate for women’s rights and education, as well as gender equality.
Day five saw the Duke continuing his work with The HALO Trust, the charity that removes land mines, and that Harry’s mother was famously involved with, helping change the global awareness of land mines. He had an early start, visiting a de-mining site just outside of Dirico, and helping to detonate a mine in a controlled environment. Harry met members of the local community and gave a speech. Having retraced his mother’s steps, he said, “It has been quite emotional retracing my mother’s steps… to see the transformation that has taken place, from an unsafe and desolate place into a vibrant community.” Quoting the statistics that a, "staggering," 60 million people around the world, "still live in fear and risk of landmines,” he argued, "We cannot turn our backs on them." Things have moved on from the visit of the late Diana; she walked down a dirt track, whereas her son walked down a tarmac road. The once dangerous area is now populated by houses and shops. But there are still more than 1000 minefields in Angola, prompting the Duke to say, “I wonder if she [Diana] were still alive today if that would be the case? I’m pretty sure she would have seen it through.”
He went on to say, "This is a wonderful example of how UK partnership with Angola can address the issue of land mines, bringing prosperity to an area, creating jobs, helping people access education and healthcare, and making communities safer. The work of de-mining is dangerous, expensive and laborious. And I have the utmost admiration and respect for all who do this hazardous work and risk their lives in service to their country. I am incredibly proud, as I know my mother would have been, of the role that the UK has played in this transformation. But of course none of this progress would have been possible without the spirit and unwavering determination of the Angolan people. The credit goes to you." He said there was still a way to go, to be, "landmine impact-free," by 2025. The Duke walked around the area, with, “danger mines,” flags around it. He was taken there by Jose Antonio, a regional manager for the Halo Trust. Staff have been working since August to make it safe, and hope to complete their painstaking clearance by the end of October. The Duke watched one staff member searching for landmines with a metal detector.
The Duke unveiled the three-country Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy project that he helped design. The unique initiative includes Angola’s Luengue-Luiana National Park, where the de-mining initiative is taking place. To celebrate the collaboration of this project and the additional protection for wildlife, National Parks and communities that it brought, representatives from Botswana and Namibia joined Angolan Ministers at the unveiling. Chobe National Park is the site of the new area of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. Many members of the royal family have dedicated areas of forest to this scheme in commonwealth countries they have visited around the globe. I think it is an excellent scheme that had really taken off, and ensures there are areas of forest to improve the environment across the commonwealth. This particular area sit’s near the border of Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and is a link of canopy across borders, so that wildlife have a passageway, and widens their habitats.
The Duke travelled to Huamba, and was hosted by Governor of Huambo, Joana Lina, who was also host for the late Diana, Princess of Wales’s visit. Accompanied by the Governor, the Duke saw the spot where his mother was famously photographed. The area that was a dangerous minefield in 1997 is now a busy street with schools, shops and houses, a demonstration of the benefits of de-mining, and a tribute to the work of the Princess of Wales. Valdemar Gonçalves Fernandes was a member of the team working with Diana, and he escorted Harry to the location. The three de-mining charities working under the UKAid Global Mine Action Programme had representatives to meet the Duke, before he made his way to the Huambo Orthopaedic Centre, also visited by his mother in 1997. The Duke unveiled the new name of the centre, in honour of Diana, and had a short tour of the facilities, and gave a speech. How excellent I think it is to see the effects of the late Princess’s work all these years later, another of her many legacies. He then departed for Luanda.
In the evening he attended a reception to meet business representatives and learn about Angola’s economic transformation and business landscape, at the British Ambassador’s Residence. Meghan kept a low profile on this day and was not seen on any public duties.
The sixth day was again a day we thought that the Duchess was not going to be seen. But, she made a private visit to the memorial of the murdered teenager, Uyinene Mrwetyana, at the spot where she lost her life last month. The Duchess has personally been following the story, and wanted to pay her respects. She spoke to the mother of Uyinene Mrwetyana earlier this week to relay their condolences. The Duchess wanted to add her voice to the stand against gender-based violence. Her simple act of tying a ribbon at the memorial outside the post office where the murder happened, is a powerful statement. I am so pleased that the Duchess has done this, in an unofficial capacity. To emphasise that this was a personal, private, act, it was not published in the official tour itinerary, and Meghan wore an extremely casual outfit of jeans and a camisole-style top.
The Duke was as busy as ever. He spent the morning at the Presidential Palace, talking to President Lourenço. He then saw the work that is being spearheaded by the First Lady, Ana Dias Lourenço, who approved a new plan at the Maternity Hospital Lucrécia Paim. The work is called, ‘Born Free to Shine,’ and looks at preventing HIV/AIDs transmission from mothers to babies. Factors such as high fertility and a young population, combined with a lack of awareness, are driving infection rates up, making Angola the highest in sub-Saharan Africa for transmission rates. Prince Harry has supported a lot of work to help those affected by HIV/AIDs throughout his life, and his continuation to do so, in my mind, shows his dedication to the cause, his passion, and his unrelenting steadfastness. Excellent qualities I think. Like his wife with her championing of women’s rights, he has shown that he can make a real difference by honing in on a few particular causes. No royal can change the whole world and support every cause and charity, as there are so many noble ones, but by having a focus to their work, a tried and tested method by all the modern day royals, they can truly make an impact. The Duke then travelled to Malawi, where he has made several private visits in the past but none in an official capacity. These private visits means he has relationships with partners on the ground.
Day seven saw the arrival of the Duke in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. He met young women at the Nalikule College of Education in the afternoon, who are supported through secondary school with the help of UKAID bursaries through the Campaign for Female Education (working through CAMFED, the charity that helped support girls to go to the college, and CAMA, the 20 year old alumni network of the college). The Duke and Duchess’s official instagram stated, “These CAMA women are part of a major network across Africa, which has 140,000 members and 17,500 in Malawi alone. These positive female role models, leaders and entrepreneurs, are working to lift their communities out of poverty. Money distributed by CAMA goes directly to each of their alumni, who then use their own resources to support another three children to attend school.”
Harry saw the impact of the 12 years of quality education that the girls are able to receive through the UK investments. The project is supported by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust of which The Duke is President and The Duchess Vice-President. Harry then met President Peter Mutharika, who he has met before. In the evening he focused on the common links between, and strengthened the meaningful, modern partnership, between the UK and Malawi at a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner. The Duchess was not scheduled to be seen this day, but made a skype call from her base in South Africa, to Nalikule College where her husband was, to meet the girls there. The girls gave her a musical welcome as her skype call came in, and the Duchess clapped along. She spoke to the girls, joining in the conversation on female education, saying, “We’re just so proud as president, and vice-president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, that we can support you in everything that you do because we cannot begin to express how valuable and vital that work is, we’re just incredibly proud to be part of it. I wish I could be with you, we’re in South Africa right now Archie’s taking a nap. I’m with you in spirit…” I think this is a great development, having Meghan skype in. It allows her to be with her young son, and fulfil her role as a mother, and be a working royal. Even though the Duke and Duchess are royals, of course they experience the same technical issues as us, with Meghan saying at the start of the video call, “I’m so happy to be with you, is there a delay?” Harry replied, “no, it’s great keep going.” Just another thing that makes the royals real people!
The eighth day began with Harry flying to Liwonde National Park, where he paid tribute at the memorial site for Guardsman Mathew Talbot, who lost his life in May 2019 on a joint anti-poaching patrol with local park rangers, and was a soldier of the Coldstream Guards. The Duke laid a wreath at the memorial, flanked by local rangers. At the Liwonde National Park Headquarters he received a briefing on operations, and witnessed an anti-poaching demonstration exercise conducted jointly by local rangers and UK military deployed on Operation CORDED. Liwonde National Park and the adjoining Mangochi Forest was then dedicated by the Duke to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, joining Chimaliro Forest, which was dedicated by The Duke of Gloucester in 2018. The Duke was supporting the Look Up campaign by the National Geographic Society, through the dedication of the forest areas. The Duke guest edited the National Geographic Instagram account, saying, “Looking Up” is a new social media initiative to raise awareness of the vital role trees play in the earth’s eco-system, and an opportunity for all of us to take a moment, to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings and to share your own view, by looking up!” Harry posted several photos of beautiful places around the world, that he chose from those posted by the public with the hashtag #LookingUp, on the Duke and Duchess’s official Instagram Story. He also posted a photo he had taken, of looking up at Boabab tree. The Duke is following in his father’s footsteps in promoting the preservation of the natural environment, and has played a part in many campaigns and initiatives.
Meanwhile the Duchess visited Victoria Yards, which celebrates the power of community, bringing local artisans and “makers” together to rebuild, support and learn from each other on a holistic level. She meta range of artists, sculptors, carpenters and metal workers who are all part of the Victoria Yards initiative, using the power of the DICE program, which supports several other local organisations in their work with marginalised youth and women
She met the leaders of a kids’ development program in the Timbuktu in The Valley. Meeting a local designer of denim brand, Tshepo, the Duchess was struck by his statement, about his logo, “The crown on my jeans represents the three ladies who raised me. Enjoy wearing this crown.” The Duchess learned how to build a, “wellbeing economy,” thanks to Co-Director of the Maker’s Valley Partnership, Simon Sizwe. She met other entrepreneurs too.
I was surprised to see so much of the Duchess over these days, as in the original schedule that was released, she was to have a few days off. But hats off to her for taking on extra visits!! She is new to this job, and let’s face it, it can take years to get the hang of, although she has shown she is very competent in this role. Besides, she has her young son, and being a mother is a job in itself! Tours can be very gruelling for the royals, and take a lot of energy.
On day nine, the Duchess was back to the released schedule, starting with a roundtable discussion with the Association of Commonwealth Universities in Johannesburg, meeting academics and students to discuss the challenges faced by young women in accessing Higher Education. As patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Meghan announced the new series of gender grants from the Association. Four new scholarships will allow students to study across different commonwealth countries, allowing for cross cultural learning, and a broadening of horizons. One student met the Duchess, a boy from Kenya, who received one of these grants. Previously, he paid for his education by trading farm produce (cauliflower leaves to be exact!) Now, he is doing a research degree in carcinogenics, helping to save the lives of his countrymen. During the roundtable discussion, the Duchess, who was deeply moved by the stories of those she heard, and encouraged to meet like minded thinkers, said, “Sometimes access to education can seem so big, you wonder where to even begin? So you begin with one student, or one school, you simply begin. And that’s when we see change.” She continued by referencing a Martin Luther King Jr quote, “Take the first step... you don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
Next Meghan learnt about how UK Aid funding supports the work of a local charity, Sonke Gender Justice, for its work to raise awareness of and tackle sexual violence in schools, by visiting one of the schools that receives help. The Duchess learnt about the schemes in place, and the focus on empowering girls to change the next generation. The charity also works with men and boys to change their perception of women, and be a part of the solution, not the cause, of the problem. Later, the Duchess privately met with some of the victims who have been helped by the charity’s schemes, and have now formed The Girls Club, to create a community for each other. The Duchess described them as role models for all.
Her husband, meanwhile, travelled to Mauwa Health Centre, to see the scheme, Pharmacy in a Box, that uses temperature controlled storage to preserve medical supplies. He chatted to young people helped by the Youth Reproductive Health Outreach programme, touring the project before flying back to South Africa. He was reunited with Meghan and Archie in Johannesburg that evening.
For the tenth and final day of this tour of Southern Africa, they did not slow down! Always hard working, they began by meeting with inspiring local youth, entrepreneurs and viewing skills, and initiatives, addressing the rising unemployment challenge faced by young people in South Africa, at a township called Tembisa, close to Johannesburg. The Duke said, “It’s moments like today and meeting all of you, that inspires us. Whether supporting young entrepreneurs, empowering women and girls, or challenging the issue of gender-based violence; whether it’s been planting trees, clearing landmines, or protecting the most beautiful creatures and places on the planet, these experiences have affirmed our love of Africa, and the issues that are so important to us. We will firmly stand up for what we believe. We are fortunate enough to have a position that gives us amazing opportunities, and we want to do all we can to play our part in building a better world. We will always seek to challenge injustice and to speak out for those who may feel unheard. So no matter your background, your nationality, your age or gender, your sexuality, your physical ability, no matter your circumstance or colour or of your skin – we believe in you, and we intend to spend our entire lives making sure you have the opportunity to succeed – and to change the world.”
They met entrepreneurs from the YES hub, taking part in training and tests tahta help them grow in skills to find work and employment, and sampled food from, ‘Chef Mish,’ a local masterchef winner (he makes the food at the site as part of his catering business and cafe). They met a range of other business initiatives too that are impacting the community.
For her final speech of the tour, the Duchess addressed young people round the world, saying, “I remember being a young girl watching TV and seeing what was happening in the world, and frankly, often feeling despair. When you constantly see and hear negativity, it can be overwhelming; you can feel powerless, and lost, you can feel different, confused, or like you just don’t belong. And I’m sure there is a young girl or boy watching this and thinking the exact same thing. So, this is for you. In a world that that can seem so aggressive, confrontational, and dangerous, you should know that you have the power to change it. Because whether you’re here in South Africa, at home in the UK, the US or around the world, you actually have the power within you to change things, and that begins with how you connect to others. I have learned from the people I’ve met here, that whether it’s about society’s expectations of masculinity or femininity, or how we divide ourselves by race or faith or class or status- everyone has value, and everyone deserves to be heard and respected. And if you live your life in that way, your generation will start to value each other in ways the rest of us have not yet been able to do so.”
Later on they met Mrs Graça Machel, who Harry last met in 2015, and who is Nelson Mandela's widow. In the afternoon, together they looked ahead to the Africa Investment Summit the UK will host in 2020 by attending a reception. They met representatives of the British and South African business communities, with a particular focus on entrepreneurs and the creative industries. To finish off their trip, they had a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife Dr Tshepo Motsepe. Later that evening the Duke and Duchess, with Archie, flew back to London.
What a trip! The couple really honed in on their key focuses, with quality not quantity being their mandate. That said, they still packed a lot in. But they were truly able to highly contribute and give to those they were with. Those they met were truly impacted and supported.
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