The Royal Family's Trips to Botswana, in Photos
The Royal Family's Trips to Botswana, in Photos
When Prince Harry visits Botswana during his royal tour of Africa, it'll hardly be the first time he sets foot in the country—that was nearly a decade ago, when he and his brother traveled around the continent together. A few years later, Harry would bring his then-girlfriend Meghan Markle on a trip to Botswana, where they "camped out with each other under the stars." The trip was an important milestone in their relationship—so much so, that when Harry eventually proposed, he sourced Meghan's diamond from Botswana.
And the larger royal family? The Windsors' history in Botswana dates back much farther than Harry and Meghan's does. Here, the best photos of Harry, Prince William, and Queen Elizabeth's trips to Botswana.
1979
Back in 1979, Queen Elizabeth went on a state visit to Botswana, and brought along a couple family members (that's Prince Philip on the left, and Prince Andrew on the second right).
1979
The Queen donned some stunning jewels to attend a dinner hosted by Botswana's president, Seretse Khama.
1979
Here, the Queen walks through a crowd of local fans, dressed in a much more casual (but still very stylish) outfit.
1979
As an avid animal lover, the Queen was naturally interested in the livestock on view.
2010
During Harry and William's 2010 joint trip to Africa, the duo stopped in Maun, Botswana. Here, Will plays soccer during a visit to the Coaching for Conservation Project—a charity that ties the sport to wildlife protection efforts.
2010
Prince William enjoys a young boy's solo vuvuzela performance during his visit to the Coaching for Conservation project.
2010
At another stop on their trip (Mokolodi Education Centre in Gaborone, Botswana), a couple of schoolchildren show the Princes a drum.
2010
At Gaborone's Mophane Primary School, Prince Harry was surprised to be presented with a student project inspired by him.
2010
Later, Harry spoke with another student outside Mophane Primary School.
2010
Harry and William both visited Gabarone's Mokolodi Nature Reserve, to see how the organization teaches deaf children how to avoid snakes.
2010
The royal brothers soon got up close and personal with the wildlife themselves.
2010
Harry and William took part in the demonstration, allowing a snake to be draped over their shoulders.
2010
The pair seemed to get a kick out of the experience.
2010
Harry happened to be traveling in Botswana on Queen Elizabeth's official birthday, and attended a High Commission garden party to celebrate.
2016
In the fall of 2016, Prince Harry—soon to be announced as Patron of Rhino Conservation Botswana—took part in one of the organization's operations. He helped to place tracking devices on black rhinos. Here, he's helping to keep the sedated rhino steady, so the vet can install the device.
2016
Here, the head of Rhino Conservation Botswana, Martin Map Ives, tells Harry about what the black rhino is up against, once the sedative wears off.
Ahead of Prince Harry's visit to the country, a short history of the royals' past visits.