In recent months, Prince Harry has been making headlines with his solo engagements, and there’s been a noticeable shift in his public appearances. What stands out is the return to something he has always done exceptionally well—connecting with young people and presenting them with awards, rather than receiving them himself.
Reflecting on his time as a working royal, particularly during his visits to the Caribbean, Harry has consistently shown a remarkable ability to engage with young people. Whether it was playing cricket or football with children, he was genuinely invested in interacting with them, and they adored him for it. It seems this aspect of his public life has made a strong comeback.
Interestingly, these solo efforts have been without Meghan Markle, which has sparked conversations. However, his recent engagements, such as his visit to London and a subsequent trip to South Africa, have been positively received. Given the turbulence of recent years, this has been a welcome relief, marking a new chapter of goodwill and optimism for Harry.
Africa, in particular, holds a special place in Prince Harry’s heart. His deep connection to the continent has been evident throughout his life, beginning with his time spent there earlier in his youth. It’s also a connection that links back to his mother, Princess Diana, who was heavily involved in charitable work on the continent. For Harry, Africa seems to represent both personal and philanthropic fulfillment.
Before Harry and Meghan’s marriage, she too had shown an interest in the region. As an actress and humanitarian, Meghan had previously engaged in charitable efforts, notably with the United Nations, where she focused on global causes. This shared commitment to humanitarian work, particularly in the Commonwealth, once appeared to be the ideal foundation for their collaboration. The Queen had, in fact, encouraged them to explore the Commonwealth and its potential, dividing responsibilities between Harry and Meghan abroad while William and Catherine focused on domestic engagements.
While their visit to Australia was successful, their time in Africa was slightly overshadowed by Meghan’s interview with Tom Bradby, which drew attention away from their goals. Despite this, Africa remains a place that seems to bring out the best in Prince Harry, offering a space where he feels at ease and purposeful.
As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see whether this is a lasting trend for Prince Harry or a temporary phase. Regardless, his recent endeavors suggest a promising return to what he has always excelled at—meaningful connections and charitable work that resonate deeply with the public. Only time will tell how this will evolve, but for now, it’s refreshing to see Prince Harry back in his element.