During their visit to Lagos, Meghan Markle found herself somewhat sidelined.
The Sussexes touched down in the Nigerian city on the morning of May 12th, following a two-day stint in Abuja. Megan made a cultural statement by adorning a traditional Nigerian skirt, a gracious gift she received during a reception in Abuja. This remarkable maxi skirt, distinguished by its white and blue stripes, was crafted from Aso Oke, a handwoven textile originating from Southwest Nigeria.
The skirt was bestowed upon her by Bode Dabbera, the chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, who also gifted matching traditional Aso Oke ensembles to the Sussexes during a reception at the Nigerian Defense Headquarters. Megan's sartorial choice was a deliberate nod to her Nigerian heritage, as she previously disclosed identifying as 43% Nigerian, expressing gratitude to the audience in Abuja for their warm welcome to "my country."
Meanwhile, Prince Harry sported sunglasses, a beige jacket, and a white shirt as they exchanged pleasantries with military dignitaries along the runway. It's customary to refrain from wearing sunglasses while greeting others, especially in formal settings, signifying respect and openness. Given their official representation, maintaining eye contact was fundamental, underscoring basic courtesy.
A notable incident unfolded when Megan and Prince Harry were greeted by a host who seemed to accord more attention to Harry, inadvertently neglecting Meghan. The host directed Harry to a seat, displaying scant interest in Meghan, who was left unnoticed by the individual fixated solely on Harry. This blatant disregard, captured on video, underscored the host's apparent oversight of Meghan, eliciting evident displeasure from both Harry and Meghan.
It appeared that someone intervened to rectify the situation, as such treatment contradicts the cultural norms of hospitality in Nigeria, likely leaving Meghan feeling discomfited. Moreover, Meghan encountered another instance of disregard during an event in Lagos, where she went unnoticed, further accentuating her perceived lack of acknowledgment and respect during their visit.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's trip to Nigeria has garnered attention, resembling a traditional royal tour despite their transition away from official royal duties. Thus far, they've engaged in activities reminiscent of traditional royal tours, including greeting crowds, inspecting troops, and even participating in a volleyball match, reminiscent of a recent activity undertaken by Prince William in Cornwall.
According to Jack Royston, Newsweek's World correspondent, who discussed the matter on The Sun's Royal exclusive show, the trip is anything but private, evidenced by the announcement made at a press conference, with a prominent "Welcome Duke and Duchess of Sussex" display in the background. Royston noted that their approach closely mirrors that of traditional royal tours, albeit with a notable absence of a broad media invitation.
