Palace responds to reports Meghan and Harry are moving to Africa

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Photo / Getty Images

Buckingham Palace has responded to widespread reports Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to relocate overseas.

According to The Sunday Times, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been in discussions about moving to Africa to take on a "bespoke" role combining charity work and promoting Britain in a bid to capitalise on their "rock star" status.

However, a royal spokesperson clarified to Hello! magazine "no decision" had yet been made about any potential overseas postings.

"Any future plans for the Duke and Duchess are speculative at this stage," the spokesperson explained. "No decisions have been taken about future roles. The Duke will continue to fulfil his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador."

The original Times story claimed plans were already being drawn up by former British ambassador to the USA, Sir David Manning, and the Queen's former private secretary, Lord Geidt, and Australia had briefly been considered as an option.

"There are discussions in palace circles about how do we harness Harry and Meghan?" a senior royal source told the publication.

"How do you harness this phenomenon that has emerged? You make it productive."

The Sun reports Harry and Meghan are very keen on the idea, although the move — if it happened — wouldn't be until next year or 2021.

"The idea is they will spend between three and four months every year based in an African country where they would work and then use it as a base for travel," a source told the publication.

"South Africa and Botswana are two countries on the shortlist that are considered the most likely.

"A briefing paper has been prepared and shared with a very small circle.

"They're starting to look at how the next couple of years of their lives are going to be spent and looking at some long-term strategic planning. It's all a part of a process."

Harry and Meghan recently left London's Kensington Palace in favour of a quieter, more private life at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor as they await the birth of their first child, reportedly due any day now.

Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, their new home features 10 bedrooms, a baby nursery, yoga studio and gym.