Last week, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, embarked on a deeply personal trip to Africa, a continent that has long held a special place in his heart. After completing his work with the Halo Trust in Angola on July 16, where he walked through a minefield to highlight the charity’s demining efforts, Harry quietly extended his journey to Botswana. This visit, however, was not about public engagements or royal duties but about reconnecting with old friends and finding solace in a rare moment of solitude.

A Walk Through History in Angola

Harry’s trip began with a poignant visit to Angola, where he followed in the footsteps of his late mother, Princess Diana, who famously walked through a minefield in 1997 to raise awareness about landmines. The Halo Trust, an organization dedicated to clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance, has been a cause close to Harry’s heart for years. On July 16, he was photographed navigating a minefield, a powerful symbol of his commitment to continuing his mother’s legacy. The images, shared by the Halo Trust, captured the Duke’s focus and determination, underscoring the ongoing need to address the dangers of landmines in conflict zones.

After fulfilling his obligations in Angola, Harry’s journey took an unexpected turn. Rather than returning to his home in Montecito, California, he traveled to Botswana, a country he has described as a second home. This detour, shrouded in secrecy, was a deliberate choice to step away from the pressures of public life and reconnect with a place and people that have profoundly shaped his life.

A Reunion with “TJ” and Mike Holding

In Botswana, Harry sought out Tania “TJ” Jenkins and her husband, Mike Holding, a couple he affectionately refers to as family. The pair played a significant role in Harry’s life long before he met his wife, Meghan Markle. Their bond is so strong that in 2016, just a month after Harry began dating Meghan, he brought her to Botswana to meet TJ and Mike, a testament to their importance in his life. The couple’s influence stems from their shared experiences in Africa, where Harry has often found refuge from the relentless scrutiny of royal life.

Botswana holds a unique significance for Harry. It is a place where he has consistently returned over the years, drawn to its vast landscapes and sense of freedom. The country’s remote wilderness offers a rare opportunity for the Duke to escape the constant demands of his public persona. This time, his visit was marked by an intentional disconnection from the outside world. According to a source close to the royal, Harry turned off his phone and avoided emails for three days, seeking “absolute peace” in a location so remote that communication was nearly impossible.

A Rare Solo Journey

Harry’s decision to travel without Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, was notable. Typically, his solo international trips last no more than two or three days. However, this week-long journey marked a departure from his usual routine. The Duke’s extended absence from Montecito allowed him to carve out time for reflection and reconnection with his past. “This time, Harry took more time and space,” the source revealed. “He turned the trip into an opportunity to catch up with old friends and step away from phones and emails. For three days, he was completely off-grid. It was a meaningful break, allowing him to enjoy absolute tranquility in a place far removed from the reach of messages or calls.”

The decision to go off-grid was not just about physical distance but also about mental respite. Botswana’s vast, untouched landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for Harry to unwind and reflect. The source described the trip as a “solo honeymoon,” emphasizing the personal nature of the journey. While Harry’s love for Africa is well-documented, this visit underscored his need for occasional solitude, a luxury rarely afforded to someone in his position.

A Pattern of African Retreats

This was not Harry’s first escape to Africa in recent years. In October 2024, he visited Lesotho, another country where he has deep ties through his charity, Sentebale, which supports young people affected by HIV/AIDS. A photograph from that trip, credited to Brian Otieno, showed Harry engaging with local communities, a reminder of his ongoing commitment to the region. His latest trip to Botswana, however, was less about work and more about personal renewal.

The Duke’s connection to Africa runs deep, rooted in both his charitable work and personal history. Botswana, in particular, has been a sanctuary for Harry, a place where he can shed the weight of his title and simply be himself. His friendship with TJ and Mike Holding, who have known him for years, offers a grounding influence, reminding him of a simpler time before the complexities of his current life.

A Return to Montecito

After a week in Africa, Harry returned to Montecito, where he reunited with Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet. The trip, though brief in the grand scheme of things, appears to have served its purpose: providing the Duke with a moment of peace and perspective. While the public may speculate about the reasons behind his solo journey, those close to Harry understand it as a necessary pause in an otherwise relentless schedule.

As the Duke of Sussex navigates his evolving role on the global stage, his connection to Africa remains a constant. Whether walking through minefields in Angola or retreating to the wilds of Botswana, Harry continues to find meaning and purpose in the continent that has shaped so much of his life. For now, his three-day escape to Botswana stands as a testament to the power of stepping away, even briefly, to reconnect with oneself.