Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently concluded a three-day trip to Nigeria, characterized by engagements that resembled official royal tours despite their private nature. Invited by Nigeria's military, their itinerary included visits to Lagos and Abuja from Friday to Sunday, where they participated in various activities, from a charity polo match to meeting with military wives and playing adaptive sports with injured soldiers.
The couple engaged in events that promoted the Invictus Games, an initiative founded by Prince Harry to aid the rehabilitation of wounded service members, and highlighted their charitable organization, the Archewell Foundation. Despite stepping back as senior royals in 2020, the visit echoed their previous royal tours in its format but was arranged without the involvement of the UK Government or the British monarchy.
During their visit, the couple engaged extensively with local culture and sport, and Meghan spoke of her Nigerian heritage, which she discussed publicly last October. Security concerns appeared minimal during their stay, despite the known risks in the region, as indicated by the presence of their personal security detail.
The trip also included symbolic gestures and fashion choices that connected Meghan with her recently discovered Nigerian roots, alongside engagements that showcased their ongoing commitments to charitable causes and community empowerment. The visit was well-received locally, with significant public and media attention throughout their stay.