Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's honeymoon location to be changed due to safety concerns
One would say that the honeymoon is one thing that any newlywed couple looks forward to but things might be different when it comes to the royal family. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married on May 19 and prior to this, there were reports that the pair had chosen Namibia as their destination for their honeymoon. However, things quickly changed as soon as the media got a hint of it.
In fact, it seems like whatever place the media reports, that is NOT going to be a destination for the couple. Royal expert Omid Scobie, who was ABC News' royal contributor confirmed during the wedding that the pair was striking out every location that has been reported by the media. “The honeymoon destination has changed a few times since they started planning," he told Elle.
"If a location leaks prior to travel, it compromises their safety on the trip, and they’ll be advised by their protection team to change plans." It so happens that Prince William and Kate Middleton faced a similar situation when the two got married in 2011.
"William and Kate’s protection officers ended up doing recon on two destinations before they settled on Seychelles for their 2011 honeymoon. I heard that just over a month before the wedding, Harry and Meghan hadn’t even booked a destination, so these plans have come together rather quickly!” he continued.
Even though the exact place may not be fixed, one thing is for sure and that is Africa being the place where the royal couple plans to go. "Africa has played a huge role in Harry and Meghan’s relationship—it was the place they fell in love, the place they vacationed before the engagement, and even where Harry bought the center diamond for Meghan’s ring," he said.
"It’s the one side of the world where Harry says he feels like he can be himself. He has laid roots there and has a huge amount of love and respect for the African continent. The couple has been keen to explore other countries in Africa, and I’m certain we will see them do that on this honeymoon," he continued.
However, one of the places that the pair could visit is Seychelles itself. “William and Kate had such an amazing time in Seychelles so that could be an option, and Zanzibar has been at the top of their wish list for some time now. The most important thing will be making sure it’s somewhere they can feel safe and have privacy," he added.
Omid believes that Meghan is just like Harry and will not mind taking on a backpack and exploring a place. Protection wise, “Harry and Meghan will travel with two or three protection officers and details of their trip will be kept secret," he said. "When they travel, the security team use code names for them, so there is never a digital footprint of their movements."
At the same time, there will not be any private announcement about the honeymoon. "Kensington Palace has said that the honeymoon is very much a private trip and they won’t be releasing details to the media. The couple shared so much during the wedding and now is the time for them to enjoy some privacy. They deserve it,” he added.