Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent three-day visit to Nigeria has raised concerns within the royal family, as their trip closely resembled an official royal tour.
Although the royal family cannot prevent the Sussexes from making private overseas visits, there are discussions about potential measures to discourage these quasi-royal tours. Royal expert Tom Sykes, speaking with the Express, suggested that palace officials might apply diplomatic pressure on friendly states to dissuade them from hosting these unofficial royal trips.
Throughout their visit to Nigeria, Harry and Meghan were welcomed as royalty. Sykes noted that while the royals can't stop the Sussexes from undertaking more tours, the British government might seek to exert significant diplomatic pressure on allied states to avoid hosting these quasi-royal visits. He added that there is little that can be done to forcibly stop them, though there are talks about advising host countries to avoid giving them a royal reception. Considering the warm reception they might receive in various places, this diplomatic approach could be challenging to enforce.
Following their successful trip to Nigeria, Harry and Meghan are rumored to have plans for another visit, this time to Ghana. Sources indicate that prominent figures and artistic influencers in Ghana are eager to welcome the Sussexes to Accra, the capital city cherished by Harry's late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. According to the Mirror, significant efforts are being made to ensure the couple feels welcomed. There is already considerable excitement in Ghana about their potential visit, with many looking forward to showcasing the country's rich culture and hospitality.
Notable personalities such as Ed Sheeran, Naomi Campbell, and One Direction's Liam Payne have recently visited Ghana. Idris Elba, who DJed at Harry and Meghan's wedding and is partly Ghanaian, frequently spends time there. The source mentioned that Harry will have no shortage of people to show him around, and the red carpet will likely be rolled out for the couple, featuring some of the finest Afrobeats performers. It seems only a matter of time before Harry and Meghan experience the famous jollof rice.
During their trip to Nigeria, the Sussexes were frequently photographed, and analysts have observed that it appeared to be "the Meghan show." On Kinsey Schofield's "To Di For Daily" podcast, royal commentator Rupert Bell noted that Harry often appeared to be a step behind Meghan. He remarked that everything seemed centered around Meghan discovering her Nigerian heritage, with Harry taking a secondary role. Schofield responded that despite Harry's complaints about being "the spare" in his book, he still appears to be in that position, trailing behind Meghan instead of embracing a leadership role.
Schofield also claimed that Meghan arrived an hour and a half late to an event in Nigeria, which she deemed disrespectful to their hosts. This behavior, she suggested, further highlighted the dynamics within the couple's public appearances.
