Prince Harry’s “Africa Test”: From Meghan to the Girlfriends Who Came Before
In the early days of their relationship, Prince Harry stunned Meghan Markle by inviting her to Botswana for their third date in 2017. The couple stayed in a luxurious £1,500-per-night tent at the Meno a Kwena safari camp, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Boteti River. It was during this trip that the couple bonded deeply, enjoying long walks, safaris, and plenty of time to connect away from the pressures of royal life.
But according to “The Palace Papers” by royal biographer Tina Brown, Prince William had a laugh at Harry’s expense. “You do realise this is the fourth girl you’ve taken to Botswana?” he teased his lovestruck younger brother.
Indeed, Botswana had long been Harry’s romantic escape. As Andrew Morton revealed in his book “Meghan: A Hollywood Princess,” Harry had a habit of trying to impress his girlfriends by bringing them to Africa.
The Exes Who Took the Test
Harry’s love for Botswana dates back to his charity work and personal vacations. It became a staple destination during his relationships with Chelsy Davy and actress Cressida Bonas.
Chelsy, Harry’s on-and-off girlfriend for seven years, joined him on annual trips to Botswana. Meanwhile, Cressida also vacationed with the prince in the Okavango Delta. According to Tina Brown, she too “passed the Africa test.”
Making Memories With Meghan
Harry’s 2017 getaway with Meghan proved to be different. Unlike his past relationships, this trip became a pivotal moment in their love story, eventually leading to their engagement later that year.
Botswana wasn’t just a place to impress Meghan—it became central to their story as a couple. In 2019, during their first royal tour together with son Archie, they returned to southern Africa, visiting Cape Town, Angola, Malawi, and, of course, Botswana.
A Royal Couple Under Pressure
Their trip in 2019 wasn’t solely about romance. Harry and Meghan’s visit to Africa also highlighted causes close to their hearts. Harry returned to Angola to witness the legacy of his late mother, Princess Diana, whose 1997 visit brought attention to the dangers of landmines. Meanwhile, Meghan’s candid interview with Tom Bradby for the documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey added an emotional layer to the tour.
When asked by Bradby how she was coping with life in the royal spotlight, Meghan admitted, “Not many people have asked if I’m okay.” Her vulnerability drew significant media attention, shedding light on the personal struggles she and Harry were facing.
While Botswana may have been Harry’s litmus test for love, it ultimately became the backdrop for a royal love story that continues to intrigue the world.
