Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were once seen as the royal power couple, but those days are behind them. Though no longer active members of the royal family, they continue to act as though they are at the center of it all, jetting across the globe with a regal flair.
Their trip to Nigeria initially received a warm welcome, but when they tried to make a return visit, Nigeria essentially said, “No thanks,” and closed the door on the idea. The reason? Many saw their visit as opportunistic—a kind of “disaster tourism” where they appeared more interested in boosting their public image than in making any meaningful contribution. With no official royal title or political role, the Nigerian government wasn’t keen on spending taxpayer money on security and pomp for what many saw as just a celebrity couple clinging to relevance.
Adding to the controversy, Meghan revealed that she is 43% Nigerian based on a DNA test. Rather than being celebrated, her claim was met with skepticism and criticism. Nigerian scholars and members of the public viewed it as a shallow form of identity performance—what some called "ancestral cosplay"—where she seemed to embrace the culture without truly understanding or respecting it. Traditional Nigerian royalty didn’t appreciate the couple’s selective interactions and disregard for proper protocols either. Their trip came off more like a branded photo-op than a genuine cultural engagement, which left many people feeling insulted and exploited.
Complicating matters further, they arrived with Netflix cameras in tow, reportedly filming a documentary. However, the streaming giant ended up backing out due to backlash and legal concerns around the couple seemingly presenting themselves as official representatives when they were not. Even in Hollywood, the tide seems to be turning. Talent agents, brand consultants, and even celebrity acquaintances are distancing themselves, branding the couple as too controversial and too much drama. Once held up as a modern, influential duo, they are increasingly seen as a warning about the dangers of overexposure and underdelivering on promises.
In the end, Meghan and Harry may have hoped to claim heritage and be welcomed with royal treatment minus the responsibility, but Nigeria was clear in its response: show genuine respect for the culture or stay away. The carefully curated royal image they’ve tried to maintain is beginning to unravel, and more people are questioning their motives. This entire episode serves as a reminder that fame without substance doesn’t go far, and cultural identity isn’t a costume to be worn for clout.
