This morning, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle landed in Nigeria, marking the commencement of their pseudo Royal tour, having flown in together from London, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Just yesterday, Meghan arrived solo at Heathrow from Los Angeles, preceding her reunion with Prince Harry at the airport's VIP lounge. Both of them boarded the British Airways overnight flight to Abuja, although the departure encountered a slight delay due to the scheduled pilot falling ill, necessitating a last-minute replacement.
Upon landing in Nigeria just before 5:00 a.m. today, the couple was escorted off the plane ahead of other travelers, sharing smiles with the cabin crew as they disembarked. Officials from Nigeria warmly greeted them at Abuja's Nam Yazak International Airport, guiding them through a side door to the jetty and subsequently into a waiting blacked-out minibus.
Meghan sported black trousers paired with a brown jacket, while Harry followed closely behind, clad in a black jacket, trousers, and an open-neck shirt. Their luggage was attended to by aides, accompanied by the same security team that had accompanied Harry during his recent stay in London.
It is believed that the couple will be lodging at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, where the presidential suite fetches a price of 600 dollars per night. It seems the supply of private jet-owning friends has dwindled, and the White House declined to extend an offer of Megan Marl Air Force One, hence they opted for a ride on a commercial jet, selecting private AC accommodations behind the curtains. Nevertheless, they evidently still possess deep pockets to afford aides to lug their luggage and provide security.
It's unfortunate that they chose to speak ill of the royal family and conspire against them; had they treated them with respect, they might have been flying in HRH luxury, enjoying opulent government accommodations, and receiving a grand welcome ceremony as representatives of the monarchy. This could have been their moment to shine as senior royals if Harry had tied the knot with someone who wasn't bent on undermining his family, as per reports.
During their stay in Nigeria, their itinerary includes watching a volleyball game and visiting military hospitals and charities in Abuja and Lagos. This itinerary was unveiled by the Defense HQ during a press conference on Thursday, May 9th. Scheduled meetings with injured Armed Forces personnel and their families are also on the agenda. The first day of the visit will feature a quiet morning reception, akin to a relaxed start with sunshine and coffee.
The invitation for this visit came from the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Muza, who extended the invitation following a meeting at the Invictus Games in Dorf, Germany, last September. Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Mari, the Director of Sports at the Nigerian Defense Ministry, disclosed that the Sussexes will visit the W Light Academy before meeting with Nigeria's security chief. Additionally, they will journey to Kaduna Estate to visit the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital and spend time with recovering wounded and injured soldiers.
On Saturday, May 11th, an exhibition of a novelty volleyball match is scheduled between the Chief of Defense Staff team and the Duke's team, followed by a reception where Harry and Meghan will interact with the families of soldiers, loved ones of fallen officers, and other service members. Their itinerary also encompasses a visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday, May 12th, and attendance at a basketball exhibition match at a local school. A final reception will conclude their visit on Monday.
