Following their initial stop in Nigeria, unconquered, a national charity working in tandem with Prince Harry's Invictus Games, on Saturday, May 11th, Meghan Markle and Harry attended a reception for military families and the Widows Association at the Defense Headquarters Officers Mess in Abuja.
Alongside this event, a special update was unveiled—a rehabilitation center. The couple appeared coordinated in linen ensembles, with Meghan donning a St. AG white strapless column linen dress, while Harry opted for a cream linen suit. Hosted by the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Muza, this occasion provided the couple with an opportunity to engage with families of servicemen and women.
Shortly after being seated, the couple rose, along with everyone else, to listen to the national anthems. The ceremony commenced with "God Save the King," during which the Sussexes stood at attention. They were then treated to a lively dance performance by a group of energetic dancers and drummers, followed by testimonies from Wounded Warriors. At the conclusion, the Nigerian government presented the couple with several gifts, including traditional attire. However, an incident during the gift-giving portion raised eyebrows.
Women at the event presented Harry with his and her traditional AOK outfits, and two of them requested a dance with him. Despite this gesture, Harry chose to engage in conversation with a man in military uniform, while Meghan appeared visibly uncomfortable. When one woman attempted to dance with Meghan, her response seemed awkward and hesitant, leading to an abrupt end to the interaction. As Harry and Meghan were escorted out of the room, an announcer requested the music to be stopped, citing their behavior as "appallingly rude."
Several factors contributed to this perception. Firstly, the couple failed to reciprocate the generosity shown by the Nigerian government. Secondly, they departed without acknowledging the crowd or offering thanks. Thirdly, their minimal interaction with attendees left many feeling disregarded. Such behavior starkly contrasted with past instances where the Royals actively participated in similar events, demonstrating appreciation for hospitality.
Furthermore, criticism extended to Meghan's choice of attire, which was deemed inappropriate for the occasion. In a deeply conservative setting, her sleeveless dress with a back slit stood out among modestly dressed attendees. This lack of adherence to local customs and professionalism was perceived as ignorance or disregard for etiquette. Additionally, her overly familiar behavior, such as hugging strangers, was considered inappropriate for a professional setting, leading to discomfort among attendees.
In essence, the couple's demeanor and attire at the event drew criticism for their perceived lack of cultural sensitivity and professionalism, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting local customs and expectations in diplomatic engagements.
