This morning marked the commencement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's whirlwind tour as they landed in Nigeria.
Departing from London, where they had arrived together, according to yesterday's report by the Daily Mail, Meghan initially touched down solo at Heathrow from Los Angeles. However, the couple swiftly reunited at the airport's VIP Windsor Suite before embarking on the British Airways overnight flight to Abuja.
Despite a minor hiccup due to the scheduled pilot falling ill, necessitating a last-minute replacement, Harry and Meghan settled into the first-class section of the Boeing 777, distinguished from fellow passengers by a discreet curtain.
Upon their arrival in Nigeria just before 5:00 a.m. today, the couple received a special escort off the plane while other travelers waited behind. Exchanging smiles with the cabin crew, they disembarked and were greeted by Nigerian officials at Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Escorted through a side door to the jetty, they were ushered into a waiting blacked-out minibus. Meghan sported black trousers and a brown jacket, while Harry followed suit in a black jacket, trousers, and an open-necked shirt. Their luggage was dutifully carried by aides, accompanied by the same security team that had recently been with Harry during his stay in London.
It is reported that the couple will be residing at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, where the opulent presidential suite commands a hefty £600 per night. Despite the absence of private jet-owning friends and a declined offer from the White House for Marle to travel on Air Force One, the couple opted for a ride on a commercial jet, albeit with the luxury of a private alcove behind the curtains. Nonetheless, their ability to afford aides for luggage assistance and security indicates their continued financial comfort.
Regrettably, amidst their lavish journey, their strained relationship with the royal family is evident, as they have chosen to criticize and scheme against them. Had they chosen a different approach, they could have been enjoying the privileges of royalty, with HRH status, luxurious government accommodations, and a grand welcome ceremony as representatives of the crown. This missed opportunity highlights the repercussions of their contentious decisions.
During their stay in Nigeria, the Sussexes plan to engage in various activities, including attending a volleyball game and visiting military hospitals and charities in both Abuja and Lagos. Their detailed itinerary, unveiled by the Defense Headquarters during a press conference on Thursday, May 9th, includes scheduled meetings with injured Armed Forces personnel and their families. The first day of their visit will be marked by a quiet reception, akin to a serene morning coffee gathering.
Their invitation to Nigeria came from General Christopher Muza, the Chief of Defense Staff, following their meeting at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany, last September. Air Vice Marshal Abid Ami Mari, the Director of Sports at the Nigerian Defense Ministry, disclosed additional plans for the Sussexes' visit, which includes a stop at the WO Light Academy and meetings with Nigeria's security chiefs. Furthermore, they will journey to Kaduna Estate to visit the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital and spend time with recovering wounded soldiers.
The itinerary also features a novelty volleyball match between the Chief of Defense Staff team and the Dukes team, followed by a reception where Harry and Meghan will interact with soldiers' families and other service members. Additionally, they are scheduled to meet with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and attend a basketball exhibition match at a local school. Their visit will conclude with a final reception on Monday.
