IT GAVE throwback vibes to their tour of South Africa in October and November 2019. Harry and Meghan smiling and dancing with the people, accepting gifts, making speeches, basking in the adoration of the crowds . . . A true royal tour, in other words, except of course, it wasn’t.
The Sussexes’ three-day visit to Nigeria had no royal protection, no palace-organised itinerary, no requirements of doing it for the good of The Firm. Instead they embarked on a journey of philanthropy and goodwill aimed at championing causes close to their heart as well as the African nation.
Their trip saw them visiting charities their Archewell Foundation supports, focusing on mental health and promoting the prince’s Invictus Games, which Nigeria hopes to host in the future.
It also had many feel-good moments: Harry playing sit-down basketball with disabled veterans, Meghan hugging children, and crowds so delirious with excitement some burst into tears.
The couple flew into the capital city Abuja from London where Harry (39) had spent a few days leading the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Invictus Games.
A rock star welcome awaited them with members of the Sussex Squad, a group of ardent Harry and Meghan fans, clamouring to take selfies and jostling for a glimpse of the pair. The Sussexes’ visit came at the request of Nigeria’s chief of defence, General Christopher Musa, who rolled out the red carpet and treated them to around-the-clock security and five-star accommodation.
For Meghan, however, the trip also had a very personal meaning. Two years ago she revealed a genealogy test had shown she was 43% Nigerian and ever since she’d wanted to “dig deeper” into her roots. And by all accounts the trip offered her just that as she embraced her African heritage with open arms – and was embraced in return.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William
