Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kicked off their Nigeria visit on Friday, what is being labeled a small royal tour. The country’s military cordially welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to discuss the future of the Invictus Games Foundation. The foundation is a global sports tournament for disabled veterans, with Prince Harry as its founding sponsor. However, currently, Meghan Markle is facing backlash on social media, notably on X (previously Twitter), following her recent trip to Nigeria.
Meghan Markle Was Scrutinized On Her Recent Visit To Nigeria
Meghan Markle has recently received a lot of hatred from Royal family supporters. Many Twitter users have condemned the Duchess for wearing a backless peach gown to school, arguing it was inappropriate. Heidi Merrick, a Californian designer, created the “Windsor” gown, which has enraged some Royal devotees. This is most likely because Meghan’s in-laws are formally referred to as The House of Windsor, and some have taken the gown’s title as derogatory. Despite the criticism, many praised her choice of dressing, describing Meghan as effortlessly elegant.
The Duchess has also been criticized for awkwardly embracing strangers. Some royal supporters have accused the Sussexes of organizing fake events, despite their repeated declarations that they do not wish to engage in any form of event. She has also faced criticism for picking Simon Perry from People magazine over a woman of color. Despite the hate aimed at the Royal Couple, the people of Nigeria have embraced them with open arms.
The dressing style of Meghan Markle has received approval from Nigerians, who appreciate her down-to-earth attitude. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, has confirmed that the Royal couple is visiting Africa in a private capacity and not on an official royal tour representing the work of His Majesty’s Government. Many Nigerian people have defended the Duke and the Duchess on Twitter, criticizing accounts that spread hate against the couple for no reason.
Wow! AMAZING 👏🏼💛🖤
I see Mr. Misan Harriman🇳🇬 is also present.😊🤗💕I love to see this😍
Go where you are APPRECIATED, not tolerated.💚🤍💚🇳🇬BEAMING Meghan💐, you look flawlessly BEAUTIFUL.🤗❤️💕#HarryandMeghaninNigeria pic.twitter.com/vB52vb7e95
— Queen-Teka (@MarleyNeens) May 10, 2024
Meghan Markle To Find Her Roots In Nigeria
In 2022, the Duchess of Sussex revealed in an episode of the Spotify-exclusive podcast Archetypes that she found she has Nigerian ancestors when researching her genealogy a few years ago. Speaking with Nigerian-American actor Ziwe, the Duchess said she is 43% Nigerian, although she is unsure which tribe she belongs to and is interested in learning more. The travel to Africa comes only days after Prince Harry visited London on his own to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. Meghan Markle was going to visit the UK but changed her plans to see the Prince of Nigeria instead.
As a welcoming gesture, the pair received traditional Nigerian necklaces made of wooden beads before being treated to a dance performance by students at their first destination, the Lightway Academy in Abuja Nigeria’s capital city. During his speech, Prince Harry discussed the stigma linked with mental health. Although a key goal of Meghan and Harry’s visit to Nigeria was to assist with rehabilitating injured military personnel, there are claims that she has abandoned plans to visit the UK to “explore her Nigerian roots.” Meghan will also be holding an event themed “Women in Leadership.”
The Nigerian Defence Ministry’s Director of Sports, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, expressed optimism that the Duke and Duchess’ presence will offer a boost to the country’s military. In his speech, Mr. Marquis further indicated that the Duchess is eager to learn more about her ancestors and heritage. The Sussexes will conclude their Nigerian visit tomorrow with a cultural celebration and a charity polo game supporting wounded veterans.
Source: Daily Mail
