The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have agreed to go to Nigeria after being invited by the country’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.
British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomerry, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria during his visit to the Managing Director of the agency, Malam Ali M. Ali, in Abuja.
He mentioned, “It’s good that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defence Headquarters.
“But they are coming in a personal capacity, not an official one.
“So, the British High Commission is not involved in planning or helping their program.
“They are not representing the work of His Majesty’s Government on this visit.”
Prince Harry is expected to start the journey on May 8, by attending the 10th anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Shortly after, Meghan will join him in Nigeria for a series of activities aimed at promoting cultural exchange and celebrating the spirit of resilience among service members.
The couple’s schedule includes visits to military rehabilitation centers, sports facilities, and meetings with local organizations working to support veterans’ welfare.
They will also attend cultural events and take part in discussions with community leaders on topics.
The trip to Nigeria is significant as it highlights Prince Harry’s commitment to the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
Last year’s Invictus Games in Germany involved 500 athletes from 21 countries.
Nigeria, Colombia, and Israel took part, marking their debut in the event.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, has expressed eagerness to host the games in the future, further confirming the country’s dedication to promoting inclusivity and sportsmanship.
While at the Invictus Games in Germany, Meghan and Harry had meaningful interactions with Team Nigeria, demonstrating their support and camaraderie.
In a light-hearted conversation, Prince Harry joked about the friendly competition between him and Meghan, especially since she discovered her Nigerian heritage.
Meghan’s connection to Nigeria runs deep, as she revealed on her podcast Archetypes that she has Nigerian ancestry, with her genealogy test showing she has 43% Nigerian heritage.
The disclosure further strengthens the bond between the Duchess and the Nigerian people, fostering a sense of shared identity and belonging.
NAN
