Meghan and Harry were immensely pleased with the warm reception during their recent trip to Nigeria, prompting plans for additional quasi-royal tours, according to a source.
During their three-day visit last week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex focused on promoting mental health initiatives and the Invictus Games, a sporting event Harry, 39, established for wounded military veterans.
Their itinerary included visits to local charities, meetings with military leaders, injured soldiers, and schoolchildren, all of whom greeted them with smiles and enthusiasm.
According to a source close to the Sussexes, they have “other trips planned for the remainder of the year” and are aiming to “share more details in the coming weeks,” as reported by The Mirror.
The insider also mentioned, “It is definitely possible they could return to Africa for more tours after that.”
On Friday, May 10, 2024, Prince Harry and Meghan pay a visit to army spouses at the Defence headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
On Sunday, May 12, 2024, the Duchess of Sussex warmly greets a young girl in a wheelchair during the Giant of Africa Foundation event at the Dream Big Basketball clinic in Lagos, Nigeria.
Arriving in Nigeria for the first time at the invitation of its military, the Sussexes made a grand entrance last Friday, welcomed with pomp and dancing.
Embarking on their three-day visit, the couple first visited Lightway Academy, a school supported by their Archewell foundation. The academy focuses on training young girls affected by conflicts in Nigeria. Following this, they proceeded to meet with the nation’s military officers.
Harry and Meghan, aged 42, made a visit to Giants of Africa, a local charity utilizing basketball to empower young individuals. There, they were greeted with another lively round of dancing before announcing a partnership between the organization and their Archewell Foundation.
Subsequently, they attended a fundraiser dedicated to Nigeria’s soldiers wounded in the country’s struggle against Islamic extremists and other armed factions in the conflict-ridden north. This event had ties to Harry’s Invictus Games, which Nigeria aspires to host in the future.
Additionally, the couple was graciously hosted at the Lagos State Government House, where Meghan was presented with another handwoven Nigerian fabric. They also enjoyed a visit to a polo club during their stay.
Reflecting on their tour, Harry expressed eagerness for more travels, emphasizing the significance of their charitable endeavors. “Whether it’s through the Archewell Foundation, Invictus, or any of our other causes, there will always be reasons to engage with the individuals at the core of our work,” remarked the Duke. He further hailed Africa as a “very, very special place” and expressed his joy at including Nigeria in the Invictus Games.
On May 11, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, Prince Harry (right) and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (left), participate in an exhibition sitting volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquered. This community-based charitable organization is committed to supporting wounded, injured, or sick servicemembers and is part of the celebrations marking the anniversary of the Invictus Games.
Dr. Abike Sabri-Erewa at her office in Abuja, Nigeria. Over the weekend, she had the opportunity to meet with Prince Harry and Meghan.
On May 10, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, pay a visit to Lightway Academy.
On May 12, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex participate in a polo fundraiser event.
The couple has shown a deep affection for Africa, evident from their early days when they chose Botswana for their third date in 2016. The following year, Harry proposed to Meghan with a diamond sourced from the country.
Their affinity for the continent continued as they returned to Africa to celebrate Meghan’s 36th birthday. In 2019, they embarked on their inaugural royal tour together, spanning South Africa, Botswana, Angola, and Malawi.
Nevertheless, their recent royal-style excursion to Nigeria has faced significant criticism from experts who perceive the quasi-royal tour as a firm declaration of their refusal to acknowledge their transition away from working royals.
Tom Quinn, speaking to The Mirror, suggested that the whirlwind 72-hour visit “confirmed the worst fears” for the Duke of Sussex’s family, leaving both the King and Prince of Wales “absolutely furious.”
He elaborated, stating, “Everything one might anticipate from an official royal visit was present – the receptions, the school and charity visits, interactions with wounded soldiers and the disabled.” Quinn noted that Meghan and Harry’s speeches and overall demeanor were tailored to convey the impression that they are still fully committed to royal duties, a notion that William and his father, King Charles, find disagreeable.
Quinn remarked that Harry and Meghan seem to have acted independently, suggesting they’ve “gone rogue,” with concerns within the Firm that they might attempt to assert their own agenda without consent.
“For Charles and William, it’s as though Meghan and Harry are asserting, ‘We don’t require your authorization to continue royal duties – we’ll proceed on our own terms, whenever and wherever we choose,'” he added.
Although aspects of the Sussexes’ visit resembled a traditional royal tour, they entered the West African nation on their own accord after being invited by its military for the three-day trip.
Sources from the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed to MailOnline that Harry and Meghan were “visiting Nigeria in a private capacity,” with the UK Government playing no role in organizing or facilitating their itinerary.
On May 10, 2024, Meghan and Harry make their way to Lightway Academy in Abuja as part of their visit to Nigeria, commemorating the anniversary of the Invictus Games.
On May 12, 2024, Harry and Meghan pay a visit to the Giants of Africa charity located at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School in Lagos, Nigeria.
On May 12, 2024, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a meeting at the Lagos State Governor’s Office in Lagos, Nigeria.
Despite Harry and Meghan stepping down as senior royals in 2020, their recent visit bore striking resemblances to foreign trips conducted by active members of the Royal Family.
Royal expert Michael Cole, speaking to MailOnline, noted that while the couple’s visit was a “private visit by two royal figures,” they utilized their royal status extensively, striving to create the impression of an official engagement.
He remarked that although the Sussexes’ trip wasn’t categorized as a state visit, an official visit, or a formal royal tour, it mimicked the structure of tours typically arranged by Buckingham Palace and endorsed by the British government.
Cole further observed that the couple’s efforts were so effective that they would likely depart from Nigeria feeling fulfilled with their three-day experience.
