Prince Harry and Meghan Markle touched down in Abuja, Nigeria, on the 10th of May, embarking on a three-day voyage.
Their first stop was Lightwe Academy, nestled in the heart of Abuja, the nation's bustling capital. Later that afternoon, they embarked on a tour of the Defense Headquarters, eager to engage with the country's military leaders. However, much to their surprise, both President Ubu and the FCT Minister decided to give their visit a cold shoulder.
Despite residing in Abuja, they chose not to grant the royal duo an audience. While some might argue that Harry and Meghan aren't exactly pivotal figures, their absence surely raises eyebrows. It's understandable amidst the myriad of pressing matters in Abuja, yet the palpable tension between the royals and key Nigerian figures could have repercussions, especially with King Charles keeping a keen eye on developments.
Nigerian President Bola Tanbu had an encounter with King Charles during the COP 28 Climate Summit in Dubai last year. Tanbu, expressing admiration for the British monarch's dedication to environmental causes, shared details of their meeting on social media. Describing King Charles as a passionate climate advocate and the head of the Commonwealth, Tanbu emphasized the significance of their dialogue in bolstering ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. This diplomatic exchange reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, setting the stage for collaborative efforts on a global scale.
The purpose behind Harry and Meghan's visit extends beyond mere protocol. While their official agenda revolves around promoting the Invictus Games, commentators like Kinsey Scoffield perceive it as a calculated PR move to refurbish their public image. Transitioning from royal duties to reality TV stardom, Harry and Meghan are keen to leverage every opportunity to amplify their relevance. Even mundane activities like Megan's recent gesture of distributing jars of jam to elites hint at a concerted effort to maintain visibility and relevance.
The Invictus Games, now in its milestone 10th year, hold the promise of expanding its reach to Nigeria as a potential host nation. While the decision remains pending, Harry and Meghan's presence underscores the strategic importance of engaging with Nigeria as a prospective host. Their visit undoubtedly elevates Nigeria's profile on the global stage, a fact not lost on commentators like Miss Scoffield, who predicts a celebratory reception for the royal couple. However, amidst the fanfare, questions linger about the true nature of their journey. What was initially touted as a private excursion appears increasingly scripted, with the couple meticulously executing activities synonymous with traditional royal tours.
Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, sought to clarify the nature of Harry and Meghan's visit. While acknowledging their presence at the invitation of the Defense Headquarters, he emphasized that it's a private affair, not an official representation of the British government's agenda. This distinction underscores the delicate balance between personal endeavors and official diplomacy, a line that Harry and Meghan seem intent on blurring. Despite reassurances from the High Commissioner, skepticism persists regarding the Sussexes' motives, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a goodwill visit.
