Prince Harry and Meghan Markle graced a reception dedicated to military families and the Widow Association held at the officers' mess in Abuja on May 11th.
The occasion saw them standing upright as "God Save the King" filled the air, despite swirling rumors about King Charles purportedly missing the chance to reunite with his son during Harry's brief visit to the UK earlier that week. The composed couple, Meghan and Harry, maintained a dignified demeanor, gazing straight ahead as the British national anthem echoed throughout the venue, while military personnel paid their respects with solemn salutes.
Christopher Muza, the Ian Chief of Defense Staff, presided over the event, witnessing this poignant moment. In the aftermath, fans have expressed mixed reactions to the Sussexes' stoic stance during the rendition of the UK national anthem. One critic urged a halt to what they perceived as an overextension of Prince Harry's representation, citing his unofficial status as a UK representative.
Another commentator questioned the appropriateness of Nigeria playing the UK's anthem for a private citizen who renounced his royal ties, emphasizing Harry's refusal to wear his father's coronation medal. Notably, during the reception, Prince Harry and Meghan appeared to abstain from partaking in the offered cuisine, with the atmosphere occasionally disrupted by a disco beat.
As the customary dance commenced, Harry and Meghan declined invitations to join in, seemingly disregarding local customs and traditions, much to the disappointment of their hosts. Attempts by two women dressed in vibrant traditional attire to engage them in the dance were met with Harry's diversion to military conversation and Meghan's evident discomfort, reflective of her struggle to adapt beyond her narcissistic tendencies. Megan's perceived threat to control prompted her to dismiss the invitation, rather than engaging in a gesture of respect, despite her lack of dancing skills. This incident underscored a glaring lack of cultural understanding and respect for Nigerian customs, tarnishing any semblance of genuine connection with the event.
Megan's choice of attire for the occasion, a shoulderless St. Agy full-length white dress, raised eyebrows for its unsuitability in a predominantly Muslim country. While ignorance of cultural norms might be excused in a casual traveler, participating in a semi-official visit upon the military's invitation carries different expectations. Respect for the religious and cultural practices of the host nation should be paramount. Alternatively, Megan's wardrobe selection could be interpreted as a feminist statement, asserting her right to dress as she pleases. However, such notions, if construed as juvenile feminism, would align with her established approach.
