Meghan Markle embraces Nigerian tradition with colorful wardrobe transformation

On May 15, 2024

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex journeyed from Abuja, the capital city, to Lagos on Sunday, May 12th, where they received a traditional dance performance at the airport, marking the third and final day of their Nigerian trip.

Prince Harry, aged 39, and Meghan, aged 42, received a festive welcome from the state governor, local dancers, and well-wishers upon their arrival. Meghan, wearing a white Carolina Herrera button-down shirt paired with a traditional Nigerian skirt gifted during their visit to Abuja, was among them.

As the dancers were lifted to create human towers, the couple gasped and applauded. Meghan mentioned on Saturday that she was reconsidering her wardrobe choices in Nigeria, having predominantly worn neutral colors since their arrival.

“I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more color, so I can fit in with all of you and your incredible fashion!” she said during her panel appearance alongside Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, in Abuja on May 11.

After their arrival, Harry and Meghan headed to a local school to take part in a basketball clinic with the non-profit Giants of Africa.

Back in March 1990, King Charles and Princess Diana received a similarly warm reception upon their arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for an official visit.

Prince Harry and Meghan’s presence in Nigeria is at the invitation of General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the country’s highest-ranking military official. Their final day’s schedule in Lagos includes various stops, starting with a basketball clinic with Giants of Africa, followed by a cultural reception, and concluding with a polo fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered.

The national charity devoted to veterans collaborates with the Invictus Games Foundation, completing the circle of Harry and Meghan’s journey. Their visit to Nigeria was announced to spotlight Prince Harry’s adaptive sports tournament for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans. Nigeria made its debut at the latest cycle of the competition in Düsseldorf, Germany, in September 2023.

The visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Nigeria holds significance as their inaugural international tour since relinquishing their royal duties in 2020, commencing on May 10th. This trip carries particular significance for Meghan, who disclosed on her Archetypes podcast in 2022 that she discovered she has Nigerian heritage, comprising 43% of her genealogy.

“a couple of years ago.”

On the initial visit to Lightway Academy in Abuja on the first day, Meghan addressed schoolchildren with heartfelt words during the GEANCO Foundation’s inaugural mental health summit, expressing, “I see myself in all of you.” Later that day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a visit to the Chief of Defense Staff headquarters, where Meghan left a message hinting at her heritage.

“With gratitude for the support of the Invictus community. And for welcoming me home,” she wrote in the visitor’s book on May 20 in her signature calligraphy. Prince Harry even commented on his wife’s penmanship, noting,”She has beautiful handwriting” — no surprise as Meghan previously worked as a calligrapher!

“Thank you for welcoming us to your beautiful country, together we will heal our troops,” Prince Harry wrote.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have met with service members and engaged in cultural activities in Nigeria, some related to the Invictus Games. Nigeria’s Defense Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, is interested in hosting the competition in the future. As a former British Armed Forces captain and Invictus Games founding patron, Harry has a deep commitment to veterans. He visited the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna on May 10, showing empathy for fellow veterans.

“heartfelt gratitude” to the Chief of Defense Staff and the Defense Minister.

At a reception for military families and the widows’ association at the Defense Headquarters Officers Mess in Abuja on May 11th, Harry delivered his speech.

“Your reception and energy have been nothing but remarkable,” he said.

People/Oluchi Okwuego