Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and baby Archie are gearing up for their first royal tour as a family of three.
The royals will leave Britain for Africa on Monday for a 10 day tour, which has been billed as having a focus on youth empowerment, education and conservation.
However, according to a royal expert, there is another ulterior motive behind the trip.
WATCH: Meghan and Harry’s Africa trip for UK business
BBC royal correspondent Sarah Campbell has claimed the couple may not just be going for photo-opportunities, but to help the country ahead of its impending Brexit deadline.
Speaking to CBS News, she said: “When you read the notes about them it’s always at the invitation of the Foreign and Commonwealth office. That kind of gives you a bit of a clue as to their importance.”
Adding: “So yes they’re nice photo opportunities with members of the Royal Family, but essentially and particularly for Britain which at the moment is changing its relationship with the European Union.
“It’s very important for Britain to be looking at trading links with other partners and so trips like this are so important this kind of idea of soft power, which the royals are very good at,” she told CBS News.
“There’s going to be a reception with African business leaders, with Harry and Meghan, and that pre-emepts a meeting in London again in 2020, again with African business leaders coming here.
“So it’s kind of important on all those fronts, but really important on Britain’s links with the wider world.”
The royal couple, who drew criticism last month for their overuse of private jets, are currently overseas in Italy.
Harry and Meghan are in Rome to attend the wedding of their close friends Misha Nonoo and Michael Hess.
