Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have wrapped up their brief 72-hour tour of Nigeria, with the trip causing controversy among some members of the Royal Family
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spending time in Nigeria on what has been dubbed a “mini royal tour”, but some parts of the trip have raised eyebrows.
The couple are said to have annoyed Prince William and King Charles with the trip, with royal expert Jennie Bond explaining how they are “of the belief that you are either in or out of the working royals”. Meghan also snubbed the Royal Family as she returned to the UK before flying to Nigeria, but chose not to reunite with The Firm.
The Sussexes are expected to return to America later today following a whirlwind 72 hours in Nigeria. Ahead of their return home, we’ve taken a look at some of the biggest bombshells from their trip.
Royal Family annoyance
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With Harry and Meghan’s Nigeria trip being referred to as an unofficial royal tour, one expert has suggested the term would not have “pleased” King Charles or Prince William. Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! : “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.”
Indeed, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery confirmed the couple were not representing the UK in Nigeria. He said: “It’s great that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defence Headquarters. But they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one.”
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, Richard added: “So, the British High Commission is not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme. They are not representing the work of His Majesty’s Government on this visit.”
Forced wardrobe change
During the Nigerian tour, Meghan co-hosted a panel event focussed on Women in Leadership. Here, she admitted to changing her style in Nigeria in a desperate bid to “fit in”.
Meghan looked incredible at the event as she wore a red maxi dress which was “ethically” created by Nigerian designer Orire and priced less than £230. She revealed the decision to wear the bold dress was a last-minute choice.
Meghan explained: “It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colour so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion.”
Late arrival
Meghan left her husband so she could co-host the Women in Leadership event. She ended up arriving an hour late for the session, but it seems her passionate speech made up for any ill-feeling.
She said: “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 honoured and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived.”
Left in ‘unsafe’ territory
Harry is believed to have left Meghan in Abuja, with the Duke of Sussex visiting a hospital in a region dubbed as “unsafe” by the UK government. It’s been reported he flew 120 miles to the hospital in Kaduna on Saturday.
The UK foreign office has guidance online which reads: “FCDO advises against all travel to Kaduna State”. The UK Government’s site also states: “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 travelling in the north-west against FCDO advice, be extremely cautious and monitor local media.”
Harry, who is said to have had a four-strong security detail in tow, visited the hospital and met with Nigerian soldiers who suffered injuries in fighting against the terrorist group Boko Haram. Many were victims of ambushes or bomb blasts.
Meghan’s heartbreak
Meghan faced a heartbreaking moment as she missed out on spending Mother’s Day with her two children – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Although Mother’s Day took place earlier this year in the United Kingdom, in the United States, where Harry and Meghan now live, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
While Harry and Meghan are in Nigeria, it’s believed Archie and Lilibet are staying with Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland. Meghan has been gushing over her children on the trip.
During a panel discussion on women in leadership, she said: “Being a mom has always been a dream of mine and I’m so fortunate that we have two beautiful, healthy, very chatty, sweet children. I love being a mom.”
Meghan’s UK return with royal snub
Before flying out to Nigeria, Harry made a brief return to the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. Meghan didn’t join her husband for the Invictus engagements, but she did stop off in London before they embarked on their African trip.
The Duchess of Sussex was in the country as she met up with Prince Harry while they stayed in the VIP Windsor Suite at Heathrow Airport. Meghan had flown in from America before they travelled to Nigeria.
However, she didn’t reunite with any members of the Royal Family while in the UK. Harry was also snubbed by his family, with The Firm not turning up to support him at a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.
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