Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Not Going To South Africa For Photo-Op But This

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be traveling to South Africa this week for their first overseas tour as a family.

But according to BBC royal correspondent Sarah Campbell, there’s a deeper reason why the royal couple agreed to visit the country. While speaking with CBS, Campbell said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s upcoming trip may be considered a soft power move.

“When you read the notes about them it’s always at the invitation of the Foreign and Commonwealth office. That kind of gives you a bit of a clue as to their importance… So yes they’re nice photo opportunities with members of the Royal Family, but essentially and particularly for Britain which at the moment is changing its relationship with the European Union,” she said.

Campbell also said that it’s very important for the United Kingdom to look at trading links with other partners that’s why tours such as the upcoming one are considered important.

“There’s going to be a reception with African business leaders, with Harry and Meghan, and that pre-empts a meeting in London again in 2020, again with African business leaders coming here. So it’s kind of important on all those fronts, but really important on Britain’s links with the wider world,” she said.

Prince Harry and Markle will be arriving in Cape Town on September 23, and they will be staying in South Africa until Oct. 2. Their son, Archie, will also join them on their trip.

However, Markle and Archie will not join Prince Harry in Angola, Malawi, and other destinations. The Duke of Sussex is expected to attend solo royal engagements during their stay in South Africa.

Meanwhile, prior to the trip, it was reported that Prince Harry and Markle flew to Rome to attend their friend’s wedding. Misha Nonoo tied the knot with Michael Hess this week. The royal couple’s son was left under the care of his nannies in London.