Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning yet another international tour, with potential destinations including Botswana or Lesotho.
This comes after two unsuccessful attempts at gaining relevance earlier this year—one in Nigeria and another in Colombia. The Sussexes seem determined to stage a third tour before the year's end, and as usual, it's expected to be accompanied by their signature media frenzy. Their public relations team has a knack for turning even the most routine charity visits into headline-grabbing spectacles.
If past tours are anything to go by, we can likely anticipate awkward photo opportunities, forced smiles, and puzzled locals left wondering why the couple continues to project themselves as relevant global figures. It appears that Harry and Meghan are at a loss for other meaningful ways to occupy their time. Despite multiple failed ventures, such as their floundering podcast, an underwhelming Netflix deal, and an unpopular lifestyle brand, they persist in believing that these tours are their ticket to remaining in the public eye. In fact, this will mark their third tour attempt in a single year—an indication of just how desperate they seem for attention. Their tours, however, come at a significant financial cost to the host countries, involving private jets, luxurious accommodations, and a large entourage. While these nations often face real challenges, Harry and Meghan seem focused on securing their "moment in the sun," regardless of the burden it places on others.
Botswana and Lesotho, the rumored next stops on their itinerary, have so far managed to avoid being drawn into the Sussexes' orbit. However, that could change, especially with Botswana's recent discovery of a massive diamond, which might prove irresistible to Meghan. Nothing spells a glamorous getaway like a country rich in valuable resources, and Harry’s sentimental connection to the region could provide a convenient narrative. Meghan will likely spin this into a grand love story, complete with curated, staged photos of the couple looking blissfully in love. Yet, there is an increasing sense that fewer and fewer countries are interested in playing along.
During their last visit to Nigeria, First Lady Senator Aliyu Sani Ubu wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about welcoming them. Likewise, reports suggest that Botswana is also hesitant about hosting the couple, and Meghan’s discomfort during her previous visit makes it difficult to envision her embracing the African wilderness again. Perhaps Lesotho will become their backup plan, though even that seems uncertain at this point.
The bigger question remains: why do these countries continue to entertain this charade? Are they really that eager for an encounter with royalty, even if it's a diminished version? If you're a government official in Botswana or Lesotho, it might be wise to reconsider rolling out the red carpet for Harry and Meghan. Refusing to host what essentially amounts to a vacation disguised as a goodwill tour could be a smart political move. After all, the public often applauds when freeloaders are shown the door.
In the end, it’s yet another tour, another opportunity for Harry and Meghan to play dress-up and pretend they still wield royal influence. Whether Botswana or Lesotho will fall prey to their antics remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the world is growing increasingly weary of their relentless attempts to stay relevant. Perhaps it’s time for the Sussexes to retire the royal act and find a new direction—or at the very least, stay home for a while.
