Prince Harry's solo return to Africa this week appears to be more than just a charity trip, it's a carefully timed move in a larger effort to reshape his public image and explore a possible reconciliation with the Royal Family. Absent from his side this time is Meghan Markle, a decision that insiders say was deliberate.

During his visit, Harry walked a cleared path at a former landmine site with the Halo Trust, mirroring Princess Diana's iconic 1997 trip. Sources in Angola told the Daily Mail that "Harry didn't want Meghan there," citing both safety concerns and the belief that the landmine cause is something he wants to keep as "his thing."

The trip follows a discreet meeting in London between the King's senior communications official and two Sussex PR reps, which insiders believe could mark the beginning of a peace process between Harry and the monarchy. The message? Harry is willing to show he can go it alone.

A Strategic Image Shift

According to friends, Harry is increasingly aware of how deeply his reputation has suffered since the couple's split from royal duties in 2020. He is said to be eager to shed the "bitter prince" image and take more ownership over causes linked to his mother's legacy.

"Until now, Harry has remained doggedly loyal to his wife," the Mail reported, "but his old friends tell me they believe he has finally realized what the world has known for years: that if he wants to reconcile with the Royal Family, he must be willing to stand alone."

Past events involving Meghan have often overshadowed Harry's philanthropic efforts.

During last year's polo match, an awkward interaction between Meghan and Dr. Sylvia Chandauka, chair of his Sentebale charity, was widely covered. Not long after, Harry stepped down from the charity citing "unthinkable infighting."

Similarly, her presence at the Invictus Games earlier this year drew media attention for unrelated reasons, including multiple designer outfit changes and moments critics described as tone-deaf.

Harry reportedly blames the press for this kind of coverage. But observers argue that Meghan's absence is quietly telling.

Royals Still Wary Despite Peace Summit

Though the meeting between Harry and royal aides was seen by some as progress, Prince William and Princess Catherine were notably uninvolved. According to a friend of the couple who spoke to the outlet, "It's no coincidence that William and Catherine did not have a representative at the Royal Over-Seas League."

The Waleses were reportedly blindsided by past disclosures made in Harry's memoir "Spare," their Netflix docuseries, and interviews including the Oprah special. One of the most painful accusations came when unnamed royals were linked to racism claims, allegations later echoed, without evidence, in Omid Scobie's book.

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Prince Harry, Meghan Markle