Prince Harry ad Meghan Markle could move to Africa for two to three years as part of new international role

Pic-Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (AP)
Royal correspondent(wp/es):::

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex could move to Africa for two to three years as part of a major international role after the birth of their first child, according to reports. 

Advisers to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be working on a bespoke role for the pair combining Commonwealth and charity work as well as promoting Britain. 

The job would see the royal couple, who are expecting their first child in the next few days, utilising their "rock star" status abroad, likely in Africa, the Sunday Times reports. 

The newspaper said Sir David Manning, the former British ambassador to the US, and Lord Geidt, the Queen's former private secretary, have drawn up the international plans, although a decision on where they would be based is unlikely until 2020.

The period before a decision is made on the plans would give the couple the opportunity to settle into their new home at Frogmore Cottage after the birth of their baby, who is due any day now.

The Sunday Times quotes a palace insider as saying the role would last for two or three years, adding: “Discussions are at an early stage, but the plan is to find a new way of using their soft power abilities, most likely in Africa." 

“There are discussions in palace circles about: how do we harness Harry and Meghan? How do you harness this phenomenon that has emerged? You make it productive,” a second source told the newspaper. 

Prince Harry has close ties to several African countries, visiting the continent since his teens and spending a gap year in Lesotho, which he once described as a "second home". 

Open talks will reportedly be held between the Government and palace officials about how to pay for the international role and the security needed during their stay.

The news comes amid reports of a rift between the Sussexes and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in recent months, although officials have insisted there has been no falling out. 

A spokesman for the royal family told the Standard: "Any future plans for The Duke and Duchess are speculative at his stage. No decisions have been taken about future roles.

"The Duke will continue to fulfil his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador."