The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are due to begin an extended official visit later this year. Feminist writer Julie Bindel says it is an opportunity to try to ease the plight of those persecuted over their sexuality. Ms Bindel says: "I would love to send them a message about some of the work that they could be doing whilst on the continent. These visits are an amazing opportunity for the royal couple to show the people of these nations that those with the most advantages imaginable can plant seeds of change for those living the hardest of lives."
Of the 54 recognised states across Africa, homosexuality is outlawed in 34 - and in eight it can lead a to life prison sentence.
Campaigner Ms Bindel says that people living in the African states they are due to visit are in constant danger of suffering for being gay, lesbian, or trans.
Even in Lesotho - where Harry's HIV charity Sentebale is based and which legalised gay relationships in 2012 - same sex couples still face discrimination and are not allowed to marry or adopt.
And in South Africa - the only African state to legalise same sex relationships - lesbians living openly are in terror of being subjected to "corrective rape".
Harry and Meghan are likely to be sympathetic to her call.
The Sussexes recently used a post on their Instagram social media account to back the LGBTQ+ community.
Using pictures of Harry's mother Princess Diana meeting Aids vic-tims, the couple wrote: "For the month of June we 'proudly' shine a light on Pride.
"This month we pay tribute to the accounts supporting the LGBTQ+ community - those young and old, their families and friends, accounts that reflect on the past and are hopeful for a deservedly more inclusive future.
Harry and Meghan are planning to take an extended trip to southern Africa (Image: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire)
"We stand with you and support you. Because it's very simple: love is love."
Lloyd Msipa, of the African Public Policy Research Institute, also believes Harry and Meghan can use their influence to raise LGBT issues.
He said: "The British Monarchy still enjoys a measure of authority and respect. Harry and Meghan can pretty much go on to speak about issues that would generally be sensitive like wider rights for gays and lesbians in Africa without attracting any backlash." The Duke and Duchess reportedly want to spend several months travelling around Africa, and are expected to continue Princess Diana's work in trying to rid places like
