Prince Harry planned secret birthday party for girlfriend Meghan Markle with jungle BBQ around African campfire
PRINCE Harry organised a secret 36th birthday party for girlfriend Meghan Markle with a jungle barbecue around an African campfire.
The besotted couple were pictured arriving in Africa yesterday for a romantic getaway, a year after they started dating.
Loved-up Prince Harry appeared to give a thumbs-up to other passengers as he walked across the airport tarmac after leaving the plane.
Harry, 32, then took the actress to a nearby friend’s house for a surprise gathering. Guests enjoyed beer and rosé wine round a barbecue under the stars.
A pal said: “It was a very romantic way to celebrate her birthday and introduce her to some of Harry’s good friends.”
The couple are expected to go on safari, take a boat trip and camp out during their stay.
The 32-year-old royal draped a protective arm around the Suits actress as they arrived for the safari trip. She appeared to be carrying a gift from him — a picture swathed in bubble wrap.
The couple’s holiday destination — hugely popular for engagements and honeymoons — will only heighten speculation the prince, 32, is about to propose.
A royal source said: “Harry has been planning this holiday for a long time.
“He’s made the trip incredibly romantic. They’ll go on boats across the lake, walk in the bush at dawn and camp under the stars.
“Who knows what will happen when they’re watching a sensational African sunset together? Maybe he’ll get down on one knee. Harry regards Africa as his spiritual home and has often talked of how he can get away from it all there.
“Obviously he wants to show Meghan what an amazing place it is and create new memories together.” The source added: “Harry’s done a lot of conservation work in Africa with endangered elephants and black rhinos and he’ll show them to the woman he wants to marry.
The couple’s holiday destination — hugely popular for engagements and honeymoons — will only heighten speculation the prince, 32, is about to propose
“It’s fitting that the spectacular safari started on her birthday — what a way to impress a girl! He’ll make this a holiday she’ll never forget and perhaps she’ll come back with a ring on her finger.”
Meghan had flown to London from her home in Toronto, Canada, after filming the last episode of the latest Suits series.
Who is Meghan Markle? Prince Harry’s girlfriend of over a year and Suits actress
There she met Harry, newly returned from Google’s summer camp in Sicily.
Looking relaxed and happy, she gave the besotted prince a huge kiss as they landed in southern Africa yesterday — watched on the tarmac by an airport worker and a royal protection officer.
A friend said: “Meghan wrapped filming Suits this week and then was straight on to a plane to see Harry.
“She’d been in London last week with her mum Doria, but had to go back to Toronto last weekend to film.
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“She is super excited about their holiday together and to see Africa though Harry’s eyes. Of course, she’s visited the continent before through her charity work, but this is her first ever safari.
“She adores animals, particularly elephants, and was just over the moon.
“Harry and Meghan are the real deal. Their talk is very future-focused. She’s planning to move to the UK and give up much of her acting work.
“They’ve been dating for over a year now and they are both extremely serious about this relationship. They want it to last and to go the distance.”
HE TOOK EX THERE, TOO
THIS is not the first time fifth-in-line to the throne Harry has travelled to Africa for love.
While he was dating ex Chelsy Davy, now 31, he took her on holiday to South Africa on several occasions.
They stayed in a luxury beachfront apartment outside the coastal city of Durban, enjoying cocktails and swimming sessions.
In 2004 the prince whisked Zimbabwean Chelsy to the luxury island of Bazaruto, off the coast of Mozambique.
There they were spotted fishing and swimming in the ocean.
On another African trip in 2008, the couple cruised crocodile- infested waters on board a rickety house boat.
Now the love-struck prince will be looking forward to escorting actress Meghan on their safari trip of a lifetime.
The former Army hero has never kept secret his love for southern Africa, calling it his “second home”.
The vast expanses of swampland, endless rivers and African plains have a special place in the young prince’s heart.
As do the animals he works to protect.
In June Harry flew to Malawi to help conservationists with an elephant relocation project.
And last September he helped fit tracking devices in a conservation area for the endangered black rhino.