Royal rift to cultural connection: 6 things that defined Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Nigeria tour
Vital points that defined Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Nigeria visit
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle completed their Nigeria tour on Sunday, May 12, after spending 72 hours in the African country. Their three-day tour received mixed reactions, with UK media reportedly criticizing it. But the people of Nigeria loved it as a student at the Lightway Academy in Abuja, said, “On camera they are good, but in person, holy moly!” Let’s take a look at the things that happened during the trip.
1. The King and Prince William were unhappy with the Sussexes' visit to Nigeria
As per reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Nigeria tour has been called “a mini royal tour,” but according to Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond, “The King and Prince William are firmly of the belief that you are either in or out of the working Royals.” “This seems to be a rather strange halfway house. I think both the King and the Prince, and indeed the Government, will want it to be made clear that Harry is not representing either the Royal Family or Britain on this trip,” Bond added.
2. Meghan Markle donned a Nigerian designer's creation
Meghan Markle was the co-host of an event during her time in Nigeria. For the panel discussion regarding Women in Leadership, she donned a red maxi dress by Nigerian designer Orire. At the time, she also revealed, “It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more color so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion.”
3. Meghan Markle arrived late to an event
The mother-of-two reportedly arrived an hour late for a panel discussion. However, as per reports, complaints faded away after she delivered her speech where she lovingly declared Nigeria "my country." “I want to start by saying thank you very much for just how gracious you've all been in welcoming my husband and I to this country… my country. I am just flattered and honored and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived,” she stated.
4. Prince Harry went to ‘unsafe’ place in Nigeria
On Saturday, May 11, Harry reportedly met Nigerian soldiers in a hospital in Kaduna. But the area has been dubbed “unsafe” by the British government. Guidance issued by the UK foreign office says, “Banditry and violent attacks are frequent and there is a high threat of kidnap. Incidents of intercommunal violence occur and trains are vulnerable to attack. If you’re traveling in the north-west against FCDO advice, be extremely cautious and monitor local media.”
5. Meghan Markle missed Mother’s Day celebration with her children
The former actress is the mother of two kids — Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 2. But she missed celebrating 2024’s Mother’s Day with her children on May 12 because she was in Nigeria at the time. She, however, lovingly mentioned them during a brief speech at the State Governor House in Lagos. Meghan reportedly said, “I am very, very grateful, I am very humbled, and today is Mother's Day. So it feels appropriate, but though of course, we are missing our children, I'm missing my babies, but it feels very appropriate to be in the motherland and amongst family.”
6. Meghan Markle did not meet royals during her London stop
Though Meghan Markle did not accompany her husband Prince Harry for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in Britain, she did make a stop in London before boarding a flight to Nigeria. She, however, did not visit any royal family members during her stay at the VIP Windsor Suite at Heathrow Airport.
