Prince Harry made an emotional return to Botswana [1] on the fourth day of his Southern Africa tour [2] on Thursday. The 35-year-old royal assisted local schoolchildren [3] in planting trees at the Chobe Tree Reserve, and during his time there, he opened up to reporters about why Africa is so important to him [4]. "I came here in 1997, 1998 straight after my mum [Princess Diana] died, so it was a nice place to get away from it all," Harry explained. "But now I feel deeply connected to this place and to Africa." He also added that being in the continent gave him a "sense of escapism . . . a real sense of purpose."
Princess Diana died in a car accident [5] in August 1997 when Harry was just 12 years old [6]. In addition to her flawless beauty and incredible sense of style [7], Diana is best remembered for her charitable heart [8]. Just like Harry, she regularly visited hospitals, schools, and fundraising galas and even took trips to Africa, India, and Pakistan, touching the lives of many wherever she went.
Botswana also likely holds a special place in Meghan Markle [9]'s heart, as she and Harry have previously spent time there [10] and Harry actually sourced the centre stone of her engagement ring [11] from the country. After Botswana, Harry will be making solo trips Angola and Malwai [12] before reuniting with Meghan and his son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, in Johannesburg to close out the 10-day tour.
