Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Embark on Inaugural Tour in Nigeria Starting with School Visit

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Kick Off 1st Official Visit to Nigeria

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have landed in Nigeria for their inaugural visit to the African nation.

Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, kicked off their journey by stopping at the Lightway Academy in Abuja. They took a tour of the school and had a chance to meet with local students. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kept it casual, with Harry in a tan button-down and matching khakis, and Meghan in a peach dress paired with gold jewelry. As a welcoming gesture, they were presented with wooden bead necklaces upon their arrival at the school.

The royal couple's visit to Nigeria is in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. Harry, who co-founded the event to honor wounded military veterans, had previously served in the British Army for 10 years.

Earlier this week in London, Harry kicked off the Invictus anniversary with a heartfelt speech at St. Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday, May 8. While he was joined by several members of his mother Princess Diana's family, most of his paternal relatives, including his father King Charles III, did not attend.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible for The Duke to meet with his father while in the UK this week due to His Majesty's full schedule, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Harry.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Kick Off 1st Official Visit to Nigeria 3

Charles, 75, resumed his public duties in April after receiving cancer treatment. He was diagnosed with cancer in February, just before he and Harry began rebuilding their relationship. The rift between Harry and Charles started in 2020 when Harry and Meghan decided to step down from their royal duties and move to California.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Kick Off 1st Official Visit to Nigeria 2

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty Images

Within days of Charles confirming his diagnosis, Harry flew to visit his father.

"I love my family. I'm grateful that I was able to fly and spend time with him," Harry shared on Good Morning America in February.

Harry and Charles have been in regular communication, but Prince William has not been included in their conversations. There is still tension between Harry and his older brother. Despite this, Harry and Meghan have privately reached out to William and Kate as she deals with an undisclosed type of cancer.

According to a second insider, Harry and Meghan are being very respectful and understanding of the situation. They are willing to give Will and Kate their space if they need it.

Editor's P/S:

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to Nigeria marks a significant milestone in their relationship with the African nation. Their presence at the Lightway Academy, where they interacted with local students, highlights their commitment to education and community engagement. The couple's casual attire and the welcoming gestures they received from the school reflect their desire to connect with the people of Nigeria on a personal level.

Furthermore, the article sheds light on the ongoing tensions within the British royal family. While Prince Harry and King Charles III have reportedly made progress in rebuilding their relationship, Prince William's absence from their recent communications indicates that there is still work to be done. Harry and Meghan's private outreach to William and Kate, who is facing an undisclosed type of cancer, demonstrates their willingness to put aside their differences during difficult times.