Meghan's Royal Journey in Nigeria: From Duchess to African Princess
Join Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, on her memorable 3-day private visit to Nigeria that turned into a royal spectacle, capturing the essence of African royalty and grandeur.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex went on a 3-day private visit to Nigeria, but it felt more like a royal tour with all the grandeur and attention it received.
On their first day, they were welcomed with a red carpet and cultural dancers in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. They started a mental health summit at Lightway Academy.
They also announced a collaboration between their Archewell Foundation and the GEANCO Foundation to support students with school supplies and menstrual products.
During their visit to the West African nation, they were invited by Christopher Musa, the country's top military official. Meghan expressed her gratitude by signing a guest book at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, thanking officials for the warm welcome.
The couple’s itinerary during their private visit was similar to their previous official tours before stepping back as senior working royals in 2020. Despite the private nature of their visit, they were warmly welcomed everywhere they went, with Nigerians displaying their renowned hospitality. The couple were presented with gifts, including a heartfelt portrait of a young Harry with his mother.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, receives flowers from a girl upon her arrival with Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, for an exhibition sitting volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquered, a local charity organization that supports wounded, injured, or sick servicemembers, in Abuja on May 11, 2024.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, got some flowers from a little girl when she and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, arrived for a sitting volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquered in Abuja on May 11, 2024. Nigeria Unconquered is a charity that helps injured servicemembers.
Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images
For both Nigeria and the Sussexes, this visit held significant weight.
Nigeria had the chance to showcase its ability to host important visitors and prove skeptics wrong. Despite being labeled as one of the most dangerous countries in the world by the UK's Foreign Office, the country has shown its capability.
Although Nigeria faces security challenges due to terrorist activities in certain regions, it is essential to note that the country is vast, even larger than the US state of Texas. The areas visited by the royal couple during their stay in Nigeria are generally considered safe.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend an exhibition sitting volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquered in Abuja on May 11.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend an exhibition sitting volleyball match at Nigeria Unconquered in Abuja on May 11.
Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images
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Prince Harry and Meghan received a warm welcome in Nigeria as they played volleyball with army veterans. This marked their first major trip to Africa since stepping back from their official royal duties.
They had the opportunity to win people over with their warmth and sincerity, and they did it very well.
Meghan, especially, was excited to learn more about her Nigerian heritage when she found out from a DNA test that she is 43% Nigerian a few years ago.
On Saturday, the duchess teamed up with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, to co-host a women's leadership event. The event brought together approximately 50 influential women from various fields in Nigerian society including politics, business, media, and culture.
The duchess participated in a panel discussion during the event, which was moderated by Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu. She shared enthusiastically about her journey to discover her Nigerian heritage and how it has played a significant role in shaping her own identity.
Meghan referred to Nigeria as "my country," expressing that as an African American, she didn't know much about her ancestry or roots. It was a thrilling experience for her to learn more and truly understand her heritage.
During the event, Meghan's talent for connecting with people was evident. She conversed easily with attendees, took selfies, and engaged in meaningful discussions.
At a different event on Sunday at the prestigious Delborough Hotel in Lagos, Meghan was visibly touched when three powerful traditional rulers bestowed royal titles upon her. The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, gave Meghan the title "Ada Mazi," which translates to "the daughter of the Igbo ancestral palace."
The Oluwo of Iwoland in southwest Nigeria, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, gave her the Yoruba name "Adetokunbo," which translates to "royalty from across the seas."
Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, take part in activities as they arrive at the Lightway Academy in Abuja on May 10, 2024.
Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, take part in activities as they arrive at the Lightway Academy in Abuja on May 10, 2024.
Kola Sulaimon/AFP/Getty Images
Their focus during the three-day trip revolved around their main interests: sports rehabilitation, mental health, and women's empowerment.
For Harry, the duke showed his empathy and bond with his late mother, Princess Diana, by visiting injured soldiers at a military hospital in Kaduna, which is 150 miles away from Abuja.
His first visit was to see the governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani. He was greeted by dancers and a red carpet. Governor Sani praised Harry for his courage and service to his country. He also asked for regards to be sent to the Duchess of Sussex, Princess Meghan.
Harry visited six wards where he met young men who were recovering from their injuries. Many of them had been shot, attacked by Boko Haram, or lost limbs in explosions. One particular moment, captured by a photographer, showed Harry supporting a wounded soldier in a hospital bed. This image touched many people and quickly spread on social media.
During his visit, Harry spoke with Corporal Yusef, a 23-year-old who had been shot in the knee. The duke asked Yusef about his rehabilitation process and encouraged him to consider joining the Invictus Games team. "Are you going to try for the Invictus Games team? Are you preparing for that?… We will see you there," Harry said to Yusef.
Their visit included cultural experiences like watching a lively dance performance and attending a polo match at the historic Lagos Polo Club.
Polo is important to Harry, and this event allowed him to demonstrate his dedication to the sport and its charitable activities.
Amid the festivities, the couple expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s warm reception. As they bid farewell to Nigeria, Meghan declared: “I can’t wait to come back!”
Editor's P/S:
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's recent visit to Nigeria was a testament to their dedication to their charitable work and their commitment to fostering global connections. The couple's itinerary, which included meetings with military officials, wounded soldiers, and influential women, showcased their diverse interests and their desire to make a meaningful impact on the communities they visit.
Meghan's enthusiastic embrace of her Nigerian heritage was particularly touching, as she shared her personal journey of self-discovery and her desire to connect with her ancestral roots. Her participation in a women's leadership event and her engagement with traditional rulers highlighted her commitment to empowering women and preserving cultural traditions. The couple's visit not only strengthened ties between the UK and Nigeria but also served as a reminder of the power of personal connections and the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion.
