Meghan Markle marked Mother's Day with a special twist, gracing Nigeria's festivities in a resplendent recycled yellow dress.
This particular garment had a storied past, having made appearances in pivotal moments of Meghan's journey. Originally donned during Prince Harry's Netflix documentary, the "Striking" gown had first debuted in 2021 when Meghan joyfully announced her pregnancy with her daughter, Princess Liliet.
Later, it resurfaced at Prince Archie's inaugural birthday bash, solidifying its status as a cherished piece in Meghan's wardrobe. By choosing to wear this dress during her unofficial diplomatic visit to Africa, Meghan subtly honored her role as a mother on Mothering Sunday, a cherished tradition in the United States.
Crafted by Carolina Herrera, this yellow silk overlay column dress, costing $3,990, was not just a fashion statement but a symbol of motherhood's continuity across Meghan's family milestones. Tailor-made for Meghan during her pregnancy with Archie, it had also featured prominently in the announcement of Liliet's impending arrival. The dress stole the spotlight once more during the reception at the State Governor's residence on May 12th.
The occasion was graced by Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, who engaged in meaningful discussions with notable figures, including Lagos's governor, Bab Sano Olu, and Nigeria's chief of Defense staff, General Christopher Guinmuza OFR. The warmth of Nigerian hospitality was palpable as Meghan was graciously presented with a traditional Sha by the governor's wife, symbolizing the rich cultural tapestry of their hosts.
However, amidst the exchange of pleasantries, an incident unfolded when a senior Nigerian official seemed taken aback by Meghan's approach. While Harry gracefully extended a handshake, Megan attempted a customary cheek kiss, inadvertently causing discomfort. Despite cultural nuances at play, Meghan persisted, inadvertently disregarding social cues. Her focus seemed more fixated on photo opportunities than genuine interaction, overshadowing Harry's efforts to maintain diplomatic decorum.
Throughout the encounter, Harry's demeanor remained composed, in stark contrast to Meghan's subtle signals of impatience and disengagement. This dynamic highlighted Meghan's struggle to balance royal etiquette with cultural sensitivity, evident when she performed a curtsy, a gesture incongruent with the official's non-royal background.
As the discussion delved into pressing issues like mental health and the potential for bringing the Invictus Games to Nigeria, Governor San Olu expressed optimism about the couple's visit, emphasizing the deep connections forged. He extended a heartfelt invitation for their return, underscoring Nigeria's commitment to fostering peace and harmony.
Ultimately, Meghan's missteps underscored the challenges of navigating diplomatic protocol in unfamiliar settings, overshadowing the couple's efforts to foster meaningful connections with their hosts. Despite the bumps along the way, the visit hinted at the potential for deeper engagement between the royal couple and Nigeria, paving the way for future collaborations that celebrate the nation's resilience and spirit.
