Chris Jackson/Getty Images(LONDON) — Prince Harry is traveling on official business on a Caribbean tour, but he can’t escape speculation surrounding his love life.
At a reception Monday night, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Brown invited an embarrassed Prince Harry to spend his honeymoon in Antigua.
“I understand that there may be a new addition to the Royal Family very soon? I believe we are expecting a new princess soon. I want you to know that you are very welcome to come on your honeymoon here,” Brown said.
The red-faced prince was at a loss for words when his host made the remarks.
“We have been voted consistently as the best honeymoon destination in the Caribbean – and one of the best in the world – so there will be nowhere in the world as special to spend your honeymoon, when that day arrives,” the prime minister continued.
Prince Harry was later asked to dance with a group of lingerie-clad female entertainers and declined. The prime minister motioned to the group of women and said: “Whatever is done here, stays here. So do not worry.”
While the fifth-in-line to the British throne is representing Queen Elizabeth II on the seven nation, 15-day tour, Prince Harry’s work has been overshadowed by speculation over his relationship with new girlfriend, American actress Meghan Markle.
The 32-year-old prince made a plea for privacy earlier this month when Kensington Palace issued a statement both acknowledging Harry’s relationship with Markle, 35, and putting the press on notice that he won’t tolerate “harassment and abuse” of Markle.
On Tuesday, Prince Harry made an emotional return to Barbuda, where he vacationed with his mother, the late Princess Diana, just four months before her death.
The prince who is a passionate conservation advocate visited a bird sanctuary and spent time with locals learning about local industry. The “People’s Prince,” who is so often compared to his mother, for his ability to connect with children, also stopped at a primary school on Barbuda.
The Frigate Bird Sanctuary forms an integral part of Barbuda’s eco-tourism industry #RoyalVisitAntiguaBarbuda pic.twitter.com/UPUQihLUy8
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 22, 2016
What a welcome for Prince Harry to Trinity Primary School in Barbuda! 🕷 #RoyalVisitAntiguaBarbuda pic.twitter.com/ELQ6wnQhsy
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 22, 2016
On Wednesday, Prince Harry departs for the next leg of his tour in St Kitts and Nevis.
Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.