'Real reason' for Prince Harry's solo trips without Meghan Markle

Prince Harry has been seen on several overseas trips, including to New York, London and Lesotho – now, a royal expert has explained why he's flying solo without Meghan Markle

After a successful stint at Climate Week in New York and a brief UK visit for the WellChild Awards, Prince Harry embarked on a solo journey to Lesotho for his charity Sentebale. His tour, which focused on his most cherished causes, showcased him at his "best", says a top royal commentator.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond discussed Harry's choice to undertake numerous solo engagements in a condensed period as she told OK!: "We can't go on criticising Prince Harry for jetting across the Atlantic for this that and the other, and then raise questions about why he is consolidating his travel into one big trip. It makes perfect environmental sense."

Jennie also mused on another possible motive behind Harry's extensive travels without Meghan: "Maybe it's better for his kids as well, for him to disappear for a fortnight and then be at home - rather than lots of comings and goings. Harry is box office. He's always had a way with people and crowds and it's lovely to see him coming into his own with charities and causes that he became involved with many years ago. Married couples don't have to do everything together."

She continued: "The children are young and it's much better for them to have one parent at home, so it all makes perfect sense. It's just Harry doing what Harry does best."

Jennie's remarks follow body language expert Judi James' analysis, where she suggested that the Duke seemed to comfortably slip back into his royal role upon his return to the UK.

Judi elaborated: "With a large 'Oh' of happy recognition and anticipation, Harry looks relaxed and delighted on this UK visit, arriving using the kind of pace and intentional gestures to suggest keenness and authentic pleasure."

"He strides into the room, smoothing his tie once with his hand in contrast with the constant and very anxious-looking tie-smoothing and yanking he was seen performing in New York last week. The royal role seems to suit him here and he leans into some very animated handshakes, looking eager to engage his hosts in friendly conversation."

"Posing in a line he adopts a royal body language look with his hands clasped in front of his torso, and the way he sustains and even re-boots an eye and mouth smile while being photographed shows he is keen to show his happiness here to the world."

"His chats with the children shows Harry perhaps at his best, fully immersed in the conversations with the children, leaning forward onto his legs to get to their height and show very active listening skills that will make them feel totally relaxed and important."

As the WellChild charity's dedicated patron for more than a decade and a half, Harry has been a regular face at their award ceremonies, celebrating seriously ill children and their families. After handing out awards to some inspirational young people, he couldn't help but pay tribute to them, referring to them as "little legends" in an emotional address about the ups and downs of parenthood.

He shared his admiration by saying: "The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me. The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays, and endless appointments, remind us all of the strength of the human spirit."