Prince Harry has returned to his "second home" of Botswana in Africa, it has been confirmed. The 33-year-old travelled to the country earlier this week as part of his role as Patron of Rhino Conservation Botswana, however Meghan Markle hasn't joined him.
"Prince Harry is in Africa for a private working trip, focussed on organisations working in conservation across the region and learning more about the issues affecting wildlife in the region," A source from Kensington Palace said. "Prince Harry holds official associations with two conservation charities in Africa, as Patron of Rhino Conservation Botswana and President of African Parks."
Prince Harry has returned to Botswana Photo credit: ©rhinoconservationbotswana.com
STORY: Why Botswana is such a special place for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry often visits Botswana as part of his work for Rhino Conservation Botswana, and previously said he was "incredibly fortunate" to call it his second home. It is a place he fell in love with soon after the death of his mother, Princess Diana, when his father took him and Prince William on safari to get away from their grief. The royal has since recalled how that first trip turned into a boyhood obsession and how it is a country he feels he can be free to be himself, away from media attention.
It has since become a special place for Harry and his fiancée Meghan, as the pair spent a romantic few days there together after just two dates in summer 2016. The couple returned to the country during their three-week holiday in Africa in summer 2017, and it is so close to their hearts that Prince Harry even sourced a diamond from Botswana for Meghan's beautiful bespoke engagement ring.
STORY: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to attend glittering awards ceremony
© Photo: Getty ImagesMeghan Markle's engagement ring contains a diamond from Botswana
Harry will return to the UK by the end of January, as he and Meghan are due to attend the Endeavour Fund Award at Goldsmiths' Hall on Thursday, a ceremony that celebrates the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have taken part in remarkable sporting and adventure challenges over the past year.
