The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has penned a deeply personal foreword for an upcoming non-fiction book, revealing his profound connection to Africa and paying tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana. The foreword appears in Steve Boyes's new publication, Okavango and the Source of Life: Exploring Africa's Lost Headwaters, set for release on March 3.
A Lifelong Connection to the Continent
In the foreword, obtained by People magazine, Prince Harry describes the Okavango Delta as his "second home for more than 25 years," a place where he finds solace and inspiration. He writes passionately about the region's natural beauty, calling it "an enigmatic wetland that disappears into the Kalahari Desert" and home to "the world's largest remaining elephant population."
The Duke has frequently spoken about his affection for Africa throughout his public life, recalling numerous visits and charitable initiatives across the continent. His connection began in his early teens, and he has consistently returned to what he describes as a place that captured his heart and soul.
Following in Diana's Footsteps
Prince Harry's foreword also honours his mother's legacy, specifically her humanitarian work in Africa. He references Princess Diana's famous 1997 walk through a live minefield in Huambo, Angola, organised by the HALO Trust charity. Harry notes this was "a turning point in the fight against these lethal devices" and highlights his own continued support for the land mine clearance organisation.
The Duke has followed his mother's path in multiple ways, including visiting Angola himself to continue advocacy for mine clearance efforts. His commitment to African causes remains a significant part of his public work and personal philosophy.
Conservation and Climate Crisis
Beyond personal reflection, Harry's writing addresses urgent global environmental concerns. He warns that "wildfires rage and hurricanes tear apart entire peninsulas," presenting humanity with "a climate crisis and a mass extinction that can no longer be ignored."
The Duke argues that preserving wild ecosystems like the Okavango Delta is "essential to our collective survival" and describes such places as crucial for understanding "where we came from, and where we need to get to." His foreword aligns with the book's focus on conservation, which features over 100 photographs and maps documenting pristine wilderness areas.
Personal Memories and Shared Experiences
Prince Harry's African experiences extend beyond solo journeys. He famously travelled to Botswana with his wife, Meghan Markle, for their third date in 2016, further cementing the continent's significance in his personal life. During a 2024 panel discussion, he elaborated on his affection, stating: "Africa's in my heart, and Africa's in my soul."
He credited the continent with providing "the vast open space, the cultures, the community, the people, the wildlife, just the freedom" that shaped his profound connection. These sentiments are woven throughout his foreword, which serves as both a personal memoir and a call to action for environmental preservation.
The book itself chronicles National Geographic explorer Steve Boyes's Okavango Wilderness Project, documenting expeditions through Africa's remote headwaters. Prince Harry's contribution adds a royal perspective to this exploration, blending personal narrative with conservation advocacy.
