Friday 6 September 2019

The Sussexes' Tour to "Demonstrate Modern UK-Africa Partnership in Action"

Following months of planning, the itinerary for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's royal tour of South Africa, Malawi, Angola and Botswana was delivered by their interim private secretary Samantha Cohen at a press briefing this morning. We've all had an abundance of questions since rumours of the trip surfaced earlier this year. First, the dates of the tour. The couple will travel with four and a half-month-old Archie from London to Cape Town from Monday, 23 September to Wednesday, 2 October. The Palace said: "This will be Their Royal Highness's first official tour as a family. Not only will this visit serve as an opportunity for the Duke and Duchess to highlight many of the causes they have been involved with for many years, it will demonstrate a modern UK-Africa partnership in Action."


Of course, this tour is especially important to them given the special place Africa holds in their hearts. "The Duke of Sussex's love for Africa is well known; he first visited the continent at the age of thirteen and more than two decades later, the people, culture, wildlife and resilient communities continue to inspire and motivate him every day." Harry and Meghan's role as President and Vice-President of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust influenced the itinerary, with both determined "to meet young leaders working to address socio-economic and environmental challenges". For Meghan, a key area of focus will be working with organisations supporting women's education, health, entrepreneurship and leadership. "The Duchess is particularly looking forward to the opportunity to learn from inspirational women in the region. As Patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Her Royal Highness will meet female entrepreneurs, academics and community leaders, and join discussions with Southern African young women about the future of their countries."


The tour was requested by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office with the UK-African relationship an important consideration. Samantha Cohen continued at the briefing: "The Duke and Duchess are pleased to raise awareness of the positive partnerships in advance of the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London 2020." Harry and Meghan will visit joint projects that are working to encourage youth employment, education and health in addition to preparing young people to take advantage of growing opportunities. "The UK's trade with Africa is around £33 billion and between now and 2035, African nations will have to create 20 million jobs per year to keep pace with the rapidly growing population."


Will we see Archie during the tour? The Sussexes will not have an official arrival, instead kicking off with engagements in Cape Town. The Palace said: "The couple hope to include Archie at some point in the programme, but it's difficult to schedule. He's five months old." I expect it's likely something is tentatively arranged, quite possibly for the middle of the tour when Harry's travelling to other countries and Meghan remains with Archie in South Africa.


Monday, 23 September

Let's take a look at the agenda, shall we? The tour begins in a township in Cape Town where Harry and Meghan will view a workshop that educates children about their rights and safety, and provides self defence and female empowerment training for young girls in the community. From there, the Duke and Duchess will tour the District Six Museum to learn about their work reuniting community members forcibly relocated during the apartheid era. The day will conclude with a community cooking activity with former residents of District Six at the nearby Homecoming Centre.


Tuesday, 24 September

In the morning, Harry and Meghan will travel to Monwabisi Beach to learn about Waves For Change, an NGO which trains and supports local surf mentors to provide mental health services. They will also see the work of the Lunchbox Fund, one of the charities they chose to benefit from donations in celebration of Archie's birth. The charity supports vulnerable children in South Africa to get the education they need to escape a life of poverty by providing a nutritious daily meal to schoolchildren who would otherwise go hungry. The fund provides invaluable assistance to Waves for Change programmes and schools.


Next, they will meet Dr Thomas Maes, leader of the Commonwealth Litter Programme launched at the London Commonwealth Summit in 2018, in support of the Commonwealth Blue Charter. The programme is working to tackle waste in six Commonwealth countries. Harry will then join the City of Cape Town Marine Unit to travel by boat to Seal Island to learn about their work tackling poaching.


That afternoon, the Duke and Duchess will visit the Bo Kaap area to mark Heritage Day, a celebration of great diversity, belief and traditions that make up the rainbow nation of South Africa. They will visit Auwal Mosque, the oldest mosque in the country where they will meet representatives of various faiths and discuss the strength of interfaith dialogue in Cape Town. Afterwards, local residents will host the royals for tea.


Harry and Meghan will conclude the packed day with a reception at the British High Commissioner's Residence where they will meet young leaders and inspiring opinion-formers underpinning the rich and diverse nature of the UK's partnership with Africa.

Wednesday, 25 September

Day three begins with a very special engagement. Harry and Meghan will meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mrs Tutu at their legacy foundation. Harry last met the Archbishop in 2015 when he presented him with an honour in recognition of his services to the UK. Sussex Royal recently shared one of his inspiring quotes.


From here, Harry and Meghan's programme will split, with Meghan remaining in South Africa whilst Harry travels to Botswana. In the afternoon, the Duchess will carry out the first of several solo engagements during the tour, visiting the Woodstock Exchange to meet female entrepreneurs and investors working in technology. Meghan hopes to highlight the benefits of young aspiring businesswomen working with mentors and role models.


Meanwhile in Botswana, Harry will visit Chobe Forest Tree Reserve where he will join schoolchildren to plant trees and raise awareness of the fragility of these vital ecosystems. Harry will then visit a local project run by Sentebale before travelling to Chobe National Park, to dedicate an area of forest to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. Afterwards, Harry will depart for Angola. Harry will spend the evening at the HALO Trust de-mining camp.


Thursday, 26 September

The Duchess will participate in a private "Women in Public Service" breakfast at the High Commission in Cape Town. Invited guests will all have played a role in the development of South Africa's institutions, and continue to advocate for women's rights, education and healthcare. I expect images will be released from the meeting afterwards.

The day will see Harry retrace his mother's footsteps.


More from ITV:

'The Duke of Sussex will make a “significant and poignant” journey to Angola to pay homage to the anti-landmine work of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales during a major tour of Africa, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
At a Buckingham Palace press briefing about the tour, Sam Cohen, the duke’s private secretary, said: “In a particularly significant and poignant journey, the Duke of Sussex will have the opportunity to return to Angola to see first-hand the legacy of his mother the late Diana, Princess of Wales, whose visit to Huambo in 1997 helped raise awareness of the threat posed by landmines to communities and livelihoods.
“The work of the late princess, and commitment to this issue, changed global opinion. “Now, more than two decades later, humanitarian de-mining work continues and the Angolan government has made a significant financial commitment to clearing landmines from another large area important for conservation of Angola’s unique ecosystem.”
Diana famously walked through a cleared minefield in Angola in 1997 to highlight the plight of those maimed by military munitions.'

Friday, 27 September - Monday 30 September

Working with the HALO Trust, Harry will give a speech about the importance of de-mining. The Prince will unveil a unique three-country Queen's Commonwealth Canopy project designed by Harry - which includes Angola's Luengue-Luiana National Park - the site of a de-mining initiative.


Harry will also visit Huambo Orthapaedic Centre, also visited by Diana in 1997. It aims to become Angola's national centre of excellence in orthapaedic care. Harry will be greeted by the Minister of Health. The centre's new name, in honour of Diana, will be unveiled. That evening, Harry will attend a reception at the British Ambassadors' residence.

On the morning of the 28th, Harry will have an audience with President Lourenco and visit a maternity hospital to see the work of a project spearheaded by First Lady Ana Dias Lourenco which focuses on HIV/Aids transmission from mothers to babies.

Harry will make his first official visit to Malawi where he will travel to Nalikule College of Education and meet a group of young women who completed their education with the help of UKA'id bursaries through the campaign for female education. Harry will see the impact of UK investments in helping girls receive education; the project is supported by the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. Harry will meet the President before attending an evening reception. He will also attend a reception at the British Ambassador's residence.

Harry will travel to Liwonde to receive a briefing on anti-poaching efforts and to pay tribute to Guardsman Matthew Talbot who lost his life in May on an anti-poaching patrol. To conclude, the Prince will dedicate Liwonde National Park and the adjoining Mangochi forest to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy.

The Duchess does not have engagements announced for Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday. I expect it's possible we'll see other embargoed events, however I do think they'll want to keep the focus on the amazing engagements Harry has in three other countries during those days. Meghan and Archie will also travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

Tuesday, 1 October

Meghan will attend a round-table discussion with the Association of Commonwealth Universities in Johannesburg. The Duchess will then visit a school to learn about the work of a local charity which receives UK aid funding to raise awareness and tackle sexual violence in schools.


Before rejoining Meghan and Archie, Harry will travel to Mauwa Health Centre, Pharmacy in a Box and Youth Reproductive Health Outreach Programme. Through this project, the UK and US have supported the introduction of solar powered storage units to provide life saving medicines.

Wednesday, 2 October

On the final day of the tour, the Sussexes will visit a township in Johannesburg where they will meet inspiring young people and view skills initiatives addressing unemployment challenges. Later that day, they will meet Mrs Graca Machal, widow of the late Nelson Mandela.


Harry and Meghan will attend an afternoon reception to celebrate the UK and South Africa's business and investment relationship. Finally to close the tour, they will attend an audience with President Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife.

Harry, Meghan and Archie will depart that evening.

More from Sussex Royal:

'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 πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦πŸ‡§πŸ‡ΌπŸ‡¦πŸ‡΄πŸ‡²πŸ‡Ό'

It promises to be an incredibly exciting tour covering the causes closest to their hearts. We're also seeing the natural expansion of their Commonwealth roles with the Queen's Commmonwealth Trust and as ambassadors for Britain abroad. Which engagements are you most looking forward to?


In other news, the Duchess is reportedly travelling to support close friend Serena Williams in the final of the US Open tomorrow. We should see Meghan cheering on Serena at around 9 pm (4 pm New York) tomorrow.

28 comments:

  1. Thank you for this detailed report, Charlotte. A packed tour, especially for Harry! I imagine there are private events for Meghan in SA that we may not necessarily hear about. I think we are getting an idea of the work of the Sussexes in the next few year, and it is purposeful and coordinated with their passions and commitments. I'm also impressed with how far-thinking and visionary both Harry and Meghan seem to be, and they are builders and creators. Harry has a very impressive track record with Sentebale, Invictus, and Endeavor. Meghan brings more to her patronages that just highlighting their work. Her cook book, and capsule collection are evidence. She helps set them on greater paths. I read about a fundraising event that Meghan created after going to Rwanda on mission regarding water. She arranged for the children in one of the villages that got a well to paint some pictures of their ambitions and dreams for the future, using water colours. She brought this art work back to Toronto to raise enough funds for another well. Harry and Meghan's projects and activities during their tour, are beginning to be woven into a whole cloth so that we get an overall view of their work. They really are beginning to appear to be great dynamic duo. Some have predicted great things for their work together, and I hope in the coming years these predictions will come to fruition. I think Harry has inherited the best from both his parents- his father's vision, and creativity, and his mother's empathy and charisma. As for Meghan, it seems her partnership with Harry was fated, or in Harry's words, "all the stars were alighned" from her interest in philantropy alone, to her work as an actress to help put her in a position to do the kind of work she wanted, and finally to her way of working with charities. As for little Archie bean, who is along for the ride, I hope he gets lots of love and attention from SA behind the scenes. His parents will make sure he will not be blinded by a thousand flash bulbs!

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    1. Anon, you said it all, including thanks to Charlotte for another great post. How will I get any work done once the tour begins? *sigh* I don't know...

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    2. A wonderful summation! It sounds like a lot of thought and work has gone into the tour and there are days that both Harry and Meghan will be fully busy, doubling their efforts. Thank you, charlotte, for the images for an American who knows so little about South Africa.

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    3. Yes agree with all. Excellent summary. It confirms that Harry and Meghan are right for each other. Together they can accomplish much. Let’s continue to be positive and encouraging!

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  2. Charlotte, what a wonderful and informative post. Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to it. I think my favorite part will be Prince Harry retracing his mother’s footsteps. This whole tour though sounds lovely.

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  3. It's clear you put so much work in your posts they're so well written & and a pleasure to read. Have you considered starting a podcast? How much time do you have left after your real job, this blog, and your personal life? lol

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    1. Thank you Veronique.

      No plans for a podcast. I really enjoy the format of blogging and building up an archive. This blog is almost two and a half years old and it's great to look back and see the old posts. Time management is a definite juggling act sometimes. My mother was an inspiration in that sense. Growing up I often wondered how she fit so much into a day; having two children, a career, and all the endless to-do lists that come with family life as a mother and wife. Yet we were always her first priority and she still made time for hobbies. Now, my mother would make an outstanding podcast host discussing everything from pushing through glass ceilings professionally to the best banana bread recipes. :)

      I would definitely advise anyone to keep doing what you enjoy and make time for yourselves. Whether it's blogging, a Netflix night with a glass of wine, studying something new or a sport. Even if it's just a couple of hours per week, it's so important to make that "me time".

      When I'm bleary-eyed and drinking ten cups of coffee mid tour, I may not be as optimistic :) The tours are the best though and worth it.

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  4. Dear Charlotte
    FΓ©licitations! Such a well researched post!
    Allows us to plan to follow along on another Sussex Whirlwind Tour. Fantastic!
    All their previous tour engagements have been unique and have included spontaneous, heartfelt moments. I’m sure this tour will also provide unexpected, delightful moments. So, I’m looking forward to it all!
    Rather charming that the Palace reminds us that Archie will be 5 months old on this tour!
    Merci!
    Renee

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  5. An addendum to my first comment:
    The engagement I am most looking forward to, is Prince Harry retracing his mother’s work in Angola. I am already speechless.
    Renee

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  6. hank you Charlotte. I was looking forward to your post. I am so excited for the tour.
    Harry really has some wonderful engagements for this tour and continuing the work of his mum and also the queens canopy. His work with Sentabale and his role with the army and African parks is also wonderful to see highlighted. I agree that Meghan will probably not have any events when Harry is in the other countries so as not to take focus away from those important issues.
    I am looking forward to their visit to Lunchbox and for Meghan so many exciting engagements. I love the opportunity for her and us to be introduced to women doing phenomenal things. Showing women entrepreneurs and those in leadership and tech roles is so important. Once you see it, you believe it and you can be it. It is important to recognise the role of mentors and how that can encourage young women to keep pursuing their goals.
    I know i will not be as productive in my personal life and work during this tour but we will cope :-)

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  7. Sheryl from BC Canada6 September 2019 at 23:45

    Thank you Charlotte for an amazing capsule of the coming tour...I can't wait to watch and see it all. So nice to be able to read about the big changes, the Commonwealth ongoings and beginnings, the true nature of both Harry and Meghans vast contributions are finally being recognized. They truly are carving a beautiful, caring and important path in their lives. This page is a wonderful place to come and get the "real" skinny, not the yammering dross of the negative nannies/aka/money driven media. :) Easy on the coffee, keep up the great work on this blog.

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  8. I'm so excited for this tour! Thanks for all you do.

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  9. So much to look forward to in the next couple of weeks starting tomorrow at the US Open. I hope all who are able to catch a glimpse of Meghan most likely sitting in the players box as a guest of Serena catch the energy and vibe of Arthur Ash. It is like no other tournament when it comes to spectator emotion. Though some may find it irreverent it is anything but full on passion.

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  10. Renee from South Africa7 September 2019 at 08:00

    Thank you once again for a post filled with so much info!! I just love the photo's that you have shared from our beautiful country. Can't wait for this tour to start! Maybe I'll be lucky to get to see them when they are in Johannesburg, seeing that it is only about a 20 minutes drive from where I am staying!!!

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    1. Lucky you, Renee. Your country is beautiful. We are so lucky to be able to appreciate far away places because of both the work of Meghan and Harry and specifically Charlotte's fabulous ability to research and inform us both in words and photos for our pleasure.

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    2. Oh Renee! I hope you do get to see them!
      Great post Charlotte! -op

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  11. Greats thanks Charlotte for this post. I am very happy to see the royal tour of Sussexes and all yours comments about. Sussexes are so dynamics and charming. And very happy to see the cute Archie. Love to all.

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  12. Yay for Meghan for being herself and popping over to NYC. It appears she went to a yoga class, and how nice that there are no photos! I hope a little NY freedom is refreshing to her soul.

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  13. Charlotte, are you planning on covering Harry’s solo engagements while Meghan remains in South Africa? I realize you don’t generally cover Harry’s solo events but I love your coverage of royal tours and his schedule looks very interesting and meaningful.

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    1. Hello Ash,

      I am, as I think they are central to this tour and focus on areas they are both passionate about. I was told Meghan would have loved to join Harry in Angola, Malawi and Botswana but it just wasn't logistically possible with a baby so young. I'll likely do a wrap up each evening covering Harry's engagements.

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    2. That is great Charlotte. Thank you and I look forward to reading your post on his engagements.

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  14. Fantastic, can’t wait!

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  15. I think they did a really good job when putting the itinerary together. To me it seems a better balance than the very ambitious 3 week tour last year.
    They have also managed the schedule in such a way that Harry and Meghan does not end up competing with each other for media coverage, while including enough solo events in SA for Meghan to justify the additional cost of her going in tour but staying in SA.
    Since South Africa had a very tough week with a huge outcry about the prevalence of gender based violence I would not be surprised if some unannounced engagement focus on that theme.

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  16. Great job with this post, Charlotte. I am looking forward to all of the tour. I hope every “little bit” done by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex helps a “little bit”. I’m inspired to do MORE to help others. Thanks, Charlotte.

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