Meghan Markle and Prince Harry embarked on a three-day visit to Nigeria last weekend, returning with not only cherished memories but also over 20 unique gifts from their trip.
Freed from the constraints of royal protocol, they were able to bring back jewelry, artwork, and clothing. Reports suggest that Prince William is extremely upset about Meghan and Harry's Nigerian tour, as royal protocol traditionally prohibits family members from accepting certain gifts during official visits.
According to official royal guidelines, gifts from unfamiliar individuals are usually declined if there are doubts about the appropriateness of the donor or the nature of the gift itself. However, permissible gifts such as flowers, food items, and books are accepted as long as their value does not exceed £50 or $190.
When it comes to gifts from commercial enterprises in the UK, the general practice is to decline them unless they are presented as mementos of an official visit or to commemorate significant personal events. Accepted gifts are conditionally approved on the basis that they won’t be exploited for commercial purposes. Each gift received by the royal family is meticulously documented and managed, often becoming part of the royal collection or loaned to reputable institutions. The guidelines emphasize discouraging extravagant gifts, especially during official overseas trips.
While Prince William and Princess Katherine must adhere to strict guidelines during royal tours, Meghan and Harry have more flexibility in their choices and actions, having stepped down as senior working royals in 2020. The couple now resides in California with their two children. Although their trip to Nigeria was undertaken in a private capacity, many experts have dubbed it an unofficial royal tour. Royal expert Tom Quinn has suggested that the Prince of Wales is particularly displeased with the couple. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Quinn claimed that William is "absolutely furious" and determined to find a way to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Charles is said to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him.
What's particularly concerning for the royal family is the fact that the Nigerians treated Meghan and Harry as if it were an official tour. The couple was greeted with dances, receptions, and visits to schools and charities, all of which gave the appearance of an official royal visit. The Royal author noted fears among the royal family that Meghan and Harry would attempt something like this, and the Nigeria trip has confirmed their worst fears. Quinn explained, "It's as if Harry and Meghan have gone rogue." The Nigeria trip is a bold statement that they refuse to accept that they are no longer working royals. William and Charles are left wondering how to manage this situation.
Reflecting on Meghan and Harry's trip, Tom Quinn remarked that it’s easy to see why the senior royals are concerned. "Everything you might expect from an official royal visit was there: the receptions, the visits to schools and charities, to wounded soldiers and the disabled. Meghan and Harry's speeches and their entire demeanor were designed to give the impression that they are still fully involved royals." William and King Charles are not pleased with this at all. For them, it’s as if Meghan and Harry are saying, "We don’t need your permission to be working royals; we’ll do it on our own terms whenever and wherever we like."
