AceShowbiz - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly preparing for another high-profile tour, this time focusing on Africa, despite recent criticism surrounding their visit to Australia.

The couple’s trip to Australia earlier this month sparked controversy, with some observers questioning the nature and purpose of their engagements. Critics accused them of blending charitable activities with commercial interests while leveraging their royal titles for publicity. The backlash included calls for the Sussexes to avoid undertaking any further tours that resemble official royal visits.

Nevertheless, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear undeterred. Sources indicate they are planning a similar “royal-style” tour across several major African cities, where they intend to carry out philanthropic work akin to their recent Australian itinerary. Although the couple reportedly avoids labeling the venture a “royal tour,” insiders say the trip is designed with a similar level of grandeur and visibility, minus the official royal endorsement.

One insider described the upcoming African journey as having “Commonwealth-level visibility without the royal stamp,” emphasizing that it “walks like a royal tour, talks like a royal tour.” This approach remains a point of contention for critics who view it as problematic given the Sussexes’ departure from official royal duties in 2020.

Africa holds deep personal significance for Prince Harry. His first visit to the continent was in 1997, shortly after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Reflecting on that time, Harry once shared, “I first came [to Africa] in 1997, straight after my mum died. My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags. We were going to Africa to get away from it all.” This connection adds emotional weight to the planned tour, which is expected to combine charitable projects with media appearances and possibly revenue-generating activities.

Royal journalist Rob Shuter reported on the plans in his substack Naughty But Nice, noting that the couple’s itinerary will likely include philanthropic efforts alongside selected media engagements. However, some commentators and members of the public remain skeptical, particularly after the mixed reactions to the Australia visit.

During that trip, Meghan Markle faced notable criticism for urging fans to address her as “Meg.” Some viewed this as an attempt to appear more approachable, but others argued it clashed with her established public image as a wealthy and exacting figure. Critics suggested this informality felt staged and disconnected from the reality of the Sussexes’ privileged status.

An insider familiar with public opinion told RadarOnline.com that the “call me Meg” campaign was seen by some as a carefully crafted rebranding effort that did not fully resonate with audiences. The source explained, “This kind of informality feels staged, particularly given the level of privilege and expectation that surrounds her, and that disconnect is what people are reacting to so strongly.”

Despite the ongoing debate, the couple’s plans for a new tour underscore their determination to maintain a high profile internationally while engaging in humanitarian work. The Africa-focused trip is expected to cover multiple locations and showcase philanthropic projects, much like their recent engagements in Australia.

As of now, no official dates or details have been released regarding the African visit, but it is anticipated to draw significant attention given the couple’s controversial status and their ongoing efforts to carve out a unique public role outside the formal royal framework.