The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have embarked on a three-day private visit to Nigeria, where they have planned engagements including meetings with wounded soldiers and visits to local charities, as confirmed by officials to CNN.
Air Vice-Marshal Abidemi Marquis, director of sports for the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, highlighted the significance of the Sussexes’ visit, noting Nigeria’s recent inclusion in the “Invictus community.”
Their itinerary began with an event at a school in Abuja, where Meghan shared a heartfelt sentiment with the students, expressing, “I see myself in all of you.” The couple was warmly welcomed by students and dancers outside the Lightway Academy, marking the start of a two-day mental health summit organized by the GEANCO Foundation, focusing on menstrual health products and education for girls and young women across Nigeria, as reported by CNN.
During interactions with the students, Prince Harry engaged them in a discussion about mental health, encouraging them to support one another and not be afraid to seek help when needed.
As they departed, the royal couple received gifts symbolizing Nigerian heritage and expressed eagerness to delve into the books they received.
The invitation to visit Nigeria came from Chief of Defense Staff Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s highest-ranking military official, who formally welcomed the Sussexes at a meeting held at the defence headquarters in Abuja.
Prince Harry expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s recognition of the transformative power of sports in rehabilitation for injured individuals, particularly through the Invictus Games movement.
Marquis noted Meghan’s personal connection to Nigeria, discovered in 2022, which added special significance to the visit for her.
The announcement of the visit generated widespread excitement among the Nigerian public, with individuals expressing admiration for Prince Harry’s authenticity and Meghan’s advocacy efforts.
This visit marks the Sussexes’ first trip to Nigeria as a couple, focusing on promoting themes of mental health, female empowerment, and the Invictus Games.
Their schedule includes visits to military rehabilitation centers and events supporting veterans’ welfare, with Prince Harry participating in a sitting volleyball game and Meghan co-hosting a women’s leadership event.
Although their visit is private, the royal couple will meet with the governors of Lagos and Kaduna State but will not meet with Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu.
UK’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, clarified that the absence of an official meeting with the Nigerian leader is due to the private nature of their visit.
During discussions with Nigerian military personnel, Prince Harry acknowledged Nigeria’s commitment to the Invictus Games recovery program and expressed anticipation for visiting a hospital supporting military personnel in Kaduna.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters expressed eagerness to further engage with the Invictus Games and the broader Invictus community, citing the positive impact of the games on Nigerian soldiers’ self-esteem and mental health, as reported by CNN.