Buckingham Palace Breaks Its Silence on Rumors That Prince Harry and Meghan Markle May Move to Africa
A report in the Sunday Times suggests that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may move to Africa after the birth of their first child. Buckingham Palace made a rare statement to address the rumors, but did not deny them.

- Outlandish royal rumors are nothing new, but a report from the Sunday Times suggesting that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might move to Africa could be legit.
- Buckingham Palace has weighed in on the report and they're not denying it.
- The move would put Harry and Meghan even farther from daily royal life and Prince William and Kate Middleton.
At this point, we're used to reading outlandish royal rumors on a weekly basis. When a report from the Sunday Times suggested that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry might move to Africa for new royal jobs after the birth of their first child, we honestly lumped it into that category, but that might have been a mistake. Buckingham Palace has weighed in on the rumor—and they're not denying it.
Royal reporter Richard Palmer tweeted Sunday that the Palace officially broke its silence on the rumors, but refused to deny them. In a series of tweets, Palmer revealed:
"Buckingham Palace is not denying a report that officials have discussed sending Harry and Meghan to Africa as a way of capitalising on their appeal to young people in the Commonwealth — and of putting further distance between them and the Cambridges.
Buckingham Palace: 'Any future plans for The Duke and Duchess are speculative at this stage. No decisions have been taken about future roles.
The Duke will continue to fulfil[l] his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.'"
Palmer's update comes after sources spoke to the Sunday Times and suggested that the royal family wanted to move Harry and Meghan far away in an attempt to control their growing fame.
“There have been various ideas floated for them to take on a job abroad, such as governor-general of Australia or Canada, wherever,” a palace source told The Sunday Times of London.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
According to the Sunday Times' sources, the Canada and Australia plans were rejected because Canada is too close to American press and the internet makes Australia too accessible by press as well.
“The trouble is that you effectively set them up as king and queen of a whole separate country,” one source told the paper. “And 24-hour media means that Australia is not as far away as it used to be.”
Africa is reportedly still in contention, however.
“[The royals] sent [Harry and Meghan] down to Frogmore to try to keep them out of the limelight for a bit. This is doomed to fail. They are worried that Harry and Meghan are going to establish a totally separate enterprise that nobody can get under control," one of the Sunday Times' sources said. "There are discussions in palace circles about how do we harness Harry and Meghan and this tremendous global attention they get. How do we draw them back, because laying down the law and ticking them off doesn’t work at all."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for theMarie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
What to Know About the Cast of 'Resident Playbook,' Which Is Sure to Be Your Next Medical Drama Obsession
The spinoff of the hit K-drama 'Hospital Playlist' features several young actors as first-year OB-GYN residents.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Duchess Sophie Stepped Up to Represent King Charles at Event Amid Calls for King Charles to "Slow Down"
The Duchess of Edinburgh filled in for The King at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
By Kristin Contino
-
See the Top-Scoring WNBA Draft Looks
This year's rookie class came to win.
By Halie LeSavage
-
The Alleged "Olive Branch" Prince Harry Offered to Kate Middleton and Prince William During U.K. Visit
The Duke of Sussex's decision was reportedly an effort "to make peace."
By Amy Mackelden
-
We Taste-Tested Meghan Markle’s As Ever Jam, Honey and Flower Sprinkles—One Word Kept Coming Up
Women across America gave 'Marie Claire' their thoughts on the Duchess of Sussex's first seasonal drop of products.
By Kristin Contino
-
Palace Employees Reveal They've "All Tried" to Get King Charles to "Slow Down" Amid Cancer Treatment
"Now he wants to do more and more and more. That's the problem."
By Amy Mackelden
-
The Special Gift Princess Lilibet Received From "Papa" Prince Harry in Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram Post
"Made with love."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Royal Expert Shares Why King Charles Had to Be "Very Careful" and "Couldn't" Meet Prince Harry During U.K. Visit
"It could actually bring down a court case."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Harry’s Lawyer Claims His "Life Is at Stake" When It Comes to Court Ruling
The Duke of Sussex is waiting on a decision that will impact his family's future plans.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Thoughts on Trump's Tariffs as She Launches As Ever
The Duchess of Sussex opened up about how her new business could be impacted in a new interview with 'Fortune.'
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince Harry’s Lawyer Says the Royal Felt "Forced to Step Back" From Royal Life Over Security Battle
The Duke of Sussex attended a court hearing in London on April 8.
By Kristin Contino