Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently completed a 72-hour visit to Nigeria, which took place amid some controversy due to its unofficial nature and perceived lack of coordination with the Royal Family. The trip, occurring in May 2024, was marked by a series of noteworthy incidents and statements.
Despite the informal status of their visit, it was publicly clarified by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were in Nigeria at the invitation of Defence Headquarters, strictly in a private capacity. He emphasized that the British High Commission was not involved in managing or facilitating the visit.
During their stay, Meghan participated in a Women in Leadership panel, where she revealed that she had adapted her fashion choices to better align with local styles, notably wearing a vibrant red dress by Nigerian designer Orire. However, her appearance at the event was delayed by an hour.
Prince Harry's itinerary included a visit to a hospital in Kaduna, a region marked by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as unsafe due to threats of violence and banditry. The visit aimed to engage with Nigerian soldiers wounded in conflicts, particularly those affected by engagements with Boko Haram.
Additionally, the tour coincided with Mother's Day in the US, leading to Meghan expressing her sentiments about motherhood and missing out on celebrating the day with her children, who were under the care of her mother, Doria Ragland.
Upon concluding their visit to Nigeria, Meghan returned to the UK discreetly and did not participate in the Invictus Games' 10th-anniversary events with Prince Harry, instead joining him later for their departure to Africa from Heathrow Airport. The visit sparked varied reactions, with some viewing it as a success, while others criticized the lack of formal status and coordination.