Meghan Markle and baby Archie won’t be joining Prince Harry on the second half of the family’s first overseas royal tour.
Buckingham Palace announced yesterday (June 27) that the trio would be heading off on a royal tour of Southern Africa this autumn.
Baby Archie will be just four or five months old at the time of the trip – younger than his cousin Prince George when he made his royal tour debut.
George travelled to Australia and New Zealand with his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, when he was eight months old.
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Announcing the news via Instagram, the palace said: “TRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are excited to announce that they have been asked to carry out a tour to Southern Africa this autumn.”
The statement added: “This will be their first official tour as a family!”
However, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Meghan and Archie won’t join the full trip, with Prince Harry heading off to Botswana, Angola and Malawi on his own.
A statement read: “The Duke of Sussex will visit Angola and Malawi at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
“His Royal Highness will also undertake a working visit to Botswana while in the region.”
Commentators have speculated that there are a few reasons as to why the new mum and the couple’s young son won’t be joining the prince.
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There is a risk of malaria in Angola and Malawi, that Meghan and Archie would be keen to avoid, with risk of exposure “being present throughout the country”.
Royal tours are also notoriously busy, with new mum Meghan and baby Archie expected to endue long road trips plus internal flights – something that won’t be much fun with a young baby.
Meghan will also technically be on maternity leave, with experts suggesting she would take six months off from her royal duties to concentrate on being a new mum.
Ent Daily has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace for comment.
Royal fans are excited for the tour and say they “cannot wait” to see the trio as a family.
Commenting on the Sussex Royal Instagram post, one said: “I love the fact the Meghan has not left Archie’s side since he was born. I have no doubt that these two are amazing parents. Cannot wait to see them all together as a family!”
Another added: “First tour as a family! Right in the feels, so excited for the three of you!”
Others said it was “gonna be the best tour ever”.
“Get ready for another royal welcome!! We Africans love to show off and you will be treated with so much love and respect! Can’t wait for this tour,” said another fan.
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