Meghan delightedly posed for selfies with enthusiastic children during her and Prince Harry’s semi-official tour of Nigeria. Behind-the-scenes footage captured the Duchess of Sussex surrounded by radiant schoolchildren. One child even shared a picture with the heartwarming message: ‘She’s truly so kind!’
On Friday, Meghan remained in Abuja as her husband departed for the state of Kaduna, located 120 miles northwest of the capital. Prince Harry visited wards in a military hospital, meeting with injured young servicemen in an area marked as a no-go zone by the UK Foreign Office.
A beaming child shared a photo, expressing how Meghan was “absolutely lovely!”
A beaming child shared a photo, expressing how Meghan was “absolutely lovely!”
The Duke of Sussex was also gifted two paintings, among them one depicting his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Harry greeted and shook hands with 50 injured service personnel during his visit to a military hospital in Kaduna.
The royal was observed reassuring patients, promising them that they would “recover” and “get back on their feet.”
The prince donned traditional attire, including a waistcoat and a ‘Big Gown,’ requiring assistance to put it on.
Upon reaching the zone, partly under the control of armed bandits, Harry apologized for not bringing his wife along, expressing, “I’m sorry that I didn’t bring my wife.”
During the hospital visit, he personally greeted approximately 50 former service personnel, offering words of encouragement: “You are going to get better, get back on your feet.”
In Nigeria, Harry and Meghan received an enthusiastic reception akin to rockstars, with crowds eagerly taking selfies as the military extended a warm welcome.
While their visit included lighthearted moments such as dancing with school pupils, other aspects were more formal, including meetings with officials at Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters.
Royal expert Phil Dampier remarked on the couple’s visit, noting it was described as private but carried the air of a quasi-royal tour, having been invited by the country’s Defence Minister.
Harry and Meghan, accompanied by their team of personal protection officers, were seen at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
During their semi-official tour, the Sussexes are accompanied by a convoy of security vehicles, along with additional protection funded by Nigeria.
Prince Harry was photographed alongside the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, at the State Government House.
In Nigeria, Harry, who has expressed security concerns in the UK previously, is accompanied by a four-person security team for the 72-hour visit, which he is personally financing. Additionally, the couple benefits from extra security provided by the West African country.
During their time in Abuja, the couple visited Lightway Academy, a school supported by their Archewell Foundation, aimed at educating and empowering young girls affected by conflicts in Nigeria.
Their itinerary includes attending volleyball and basketball matches, as well as visiting non-governmental organizations they have pledged support to.
Meghan is set to co-host an event on women in leadership alongside Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, as confirmed by their spokesman Charlie Gipson.
