Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent three-day visit to Nigeria has stirred concerns within the royal family.
The couple's trip resembled an official Royal tour, raising questions about the nature of their travels. While the royal family cannot prevent the Sussexes from making private overseas visits, there are suggestions that they might take steps to curtail these quasi-Royal tours.
Speaking with the Express, Royal expert Tom Sykes suggested that palace officials could exert diplomatic pressure on friendly states to discourage hosting these unofficial Royal tours. "Everywhere they went in Nigeria, they were greeted as royalty," Sykes remarked. Although the Royals can't stop Harry and Meghan from embarking on more tours, Sykes noted that the government might apply serious diplomatic pressure on friendly states to prevent hosting such events.
The reality, however, is that there is little that can be done to forcibly stop the couple. Even with discussions about future visits to places like Ghana, it’s unlikely that Harry and Meghan could be technically barred from visiting. Government or parliamentary action would likely only result in verbal advisories to host countries to avoid giving them a royal reception. Considering the warm reception they received in Nigeria, there is speculation about how they might be welcomed in Ghana, especially given concerns about corruption at high levels in some African countries, which some critics compare to perceived issues surrounding Harry and Meghan.
Following their successful trip to Nigeria, the Sussexes are reportedly planning another visit, this time to Ghana. Sources indicate that prominent figures and artistic influencers in Ghana are eager for Harry and Meghan to visit Accra, the capital city. The Mirror reports that there is significant excitement in Ghana, with preparations underway to ensure the couple feels welcome. Several top names, including Ed Sheeran, Naomi Campbell, One Direction's Liam Payne, and Idris Elba (who attended Harry and Meghan's wedding), have recently visited Ghana. Elba, part Ghanaian himself, frequently spends time there.
Harry is unlikely to lack for guides, and it is anticipated that Ghana will roll out the red carpet for him and Meghan, possibly featuring some of the finest Afrobeat performers. The Sussexes might soon be sampling the famous Jollof rice, enjoying Ghana's vibrant culture.
During their Nigeria trip, Harry and Meghan were photographed extensively. Experts analyzing these images suggest it appeared to be "the Meghan show." On Kinsey Schofield's Today for Daily Show, Royal commentator Robert Bell remarked that Harry seemed to be one step behind Meghan at all times, emphasizing her Nigerian heritage.
"Harry was always having to play second fiddle," Bell said. Schofield added that despite Harry's complaints about being the "spare," he still finds himself in that same position, following Meghan rather than taking a leadership role. She also claimed that Meghan arrived an hour and a half late to an event in Nigeria, which she described as disrespectful to their hosts.
