Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have come under fire for their decision not to sing the British national anthem during their recent visit to Nigeria.
The couple, who were in the African nation to promote the Invictus Games, met with injured servicemen and participated in fundraising events. While the trip was lauded by many fans, critics accused the Sussexes of leveraging their former royal status despite stepping down from their roles four years ago.
During a reception honoring military families, the British national anthem was played, a gesture typically reserved for official royal visits. Meghan and Harry sparked controversy by choosing not to sing along while others, including military personnel, sang the Nigerian anthem. Meghan was notably seen smirking when the anthem played, which was highlighted during an appearance on GB News.
Commentator Paul Burrell, a former royal butler, expressed his confusion and criticism on the broadcast. "This wasn’t a royal visit. Why was the national anthem played? They didn’t sing the words. It’s embarrassing for them and for our country," he said. Burrell suggested that the trip was a publicity stunt to boost the couple's image, accusing them of exploiting their royal connections to remain relevant.
Burrell also emphasized that Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals and do not represent the King or the country officially. A palace insider concurred, stating that the anthem should not have been played since it wasn't an official royal visit. The insider suggested that King Charles might address his son’s actions, noting Harry’s apparent disrespect towards his family and country.
In a recent episode of his TalkTV show "Uncensored," Piers Morgan, joined by three panelists, lambasted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their conduct in Nigeria. Morgan accused the couple of diverting attention from the senior royals, including King Charles and Princess Kate, who are reportedly battling cancer.
"The King is stricken with cancer and unable to perform his duties, and his son and wife are also battling the illness. Yet Harry and Meghan are soaking up all the attention," Morgan said. He criticized them for overshadowing the royals who are genuinely committed to their duties. Morgan further accused the Sussexes of attempting to capitalize on the health issues within the royal family to regain their prominence, branding them as opportunistic and self-serving.
The public reaction to the controversy has been mixed, with some defending Harry and Meghan's actions as a personal choice, while others see it as a blatant disrespect to their heritage and the royal family. Royal commentators suggest that this incident could further strain Harry’s relationship with his family, especially given the current health challenges faced by senior royals.
Overall, the Nigeria trip has intensified the scrutiny on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's activities and their ongoing connection to the royal family, raising questions about their intentions and future roles on the global stage.
