Following reports that they are eager to introduce their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – to the wonders of Africa, Royal experts have begun speculating on when this might happen.
“Africa is magical. End of story. It is entirely natural for William to want to take his young family to see the wonders of the wildlife and wilderness of Africa before it is too late,” former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!
Despite plans potentially being in motion for a future trip, Jennie highlights one obstacle the family must still navigate., adding: “There’s no way William will take the kids there without Kate, so it may be a while before they can enjoy this experience as a family as she focuses on her treatment. To see the wonder on the children’s faces when they see lions and rhinos and giraffes is a moment no parent should miss.”
Prince William is a patron of conservation charity Tusk ( Image: Getty)
Jennie’s insights follow comments made by Tusk Trust CEO Charlie Mayhew to PEOPLE, discussing Prince William’s desire to introduce his three children to the continent sooner rather than later.
Charlie expressed his admiration for the Prince of Wales, saying, “He is very knowledgeable and passionate about conservation and the environment,” and praised Prince William’s dedication to Africa, highlighting his support as a patron: “He has a particular love for Africa. He has been incredibly supportive as our patron and proactive in supporting us. We find ourselves incredibly lucky.”Anticipating a future meeting with the Royal in South Africa, Charlie shared his thoughts with the outlet, “I think it won’t be long before, you know, he will want to introduce them to Africa.”The ties between Africa and the Wales family run deep; not only does William do significant conservation work there through the Tusk Trust, but the continent also hosted a very personal milestone – their engagement in Kenya in 2010.
Kenya marked a key milestone in William and Kate’s relationship, as it’s where the couple first got engaged. ( Image: Getty Images)
Africa played a pivotal role in Royal history too; in 1952, while at Sagana Lodge, Princess Elizabeth found out about her father’s tragic death and her accession to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II.Botswana holds a special place for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, having provided the backdrop for some of their first moments together – a reflection of Harry’s longstanding affection for the country.
Discussing William’s parental approach, Jennie remarks on his efforts to instil in his children the same values of conservation and environmentalism passed down by Princess Diana: “William is ensuring that his children understand, as he was made to understand by his mother, that they are highly privileged and, as such, they have a duty to help those less fortunate in every way they can. Diana passed on valuable life lessons to her sons and they have stuck with them. William has said he points out people in need to his children, such as homeless people sleeping rough and takes pains to explain that it is their duty to try to help. That is pure Diana.”
