Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have touched down in Nigeria as part of their 72-hour tour to promote the Invictus Games, marking their first official visit to the West African nation.
The royal couple’s journey commenced with an overnight flight aboard British Airways to Abuja. However, their arrival was slightly delayed due to the unexpected illness of the scheduled pilot, prompting a swift replacement to ensure a timely departure.
Upon landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Prince Harry and Meghan were warmly welcomed by Nigerian officials just before 5 am. Escorted out of a side door onto the jetty, they were swiftly ushered into a waiting blacked-out minibus.
“They will be tired after their journey, so they will rest, and then the first engagement is at midday at the Defence Headquarters,” disclosed defence spokesperson Brigadier General Tukur Gusau to the Daily Mail.
Their itinerary for the visit, primarily aimed at promoting the Invictus Games, includes engagements with wounded soldiers and military personnel. Prince Harry’s involvement with the Invictus Games dates back to last year’s competition in Dusseldorf, Germany, where he met the Nigerian team and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa.
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Expressing her support for Team Nigeria during the event, Meghan Markle revealed her Nigerian heritage, further solidifying the couple’s connection to the country. Their visit to Nigeria comes at the invitation of General Musa, with a focus on honoring military families and promoting initiatives supporting wounded veterans.
Throughout their stay, Prince Harry and Meghan will participate in various events, including school visits, training sessions, and receptions honoring military families. On Saturday, Meghan will co-host an event on Women in Leadership alongside Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, underscoring the importance of gender equality and empowerment.
The royal couple’s visit holds personal significance for Meghan, who recently discovered her Nigerian heritage through a genealogy test. Discussing her newfound connection on her Archetypes podcast, Meghan expressed her excitement and eagerness to explore her roots further, highlighting the importance of representation and cultural identity.
As Prince Harry and Meghan embark on their tour of Nigeria, their commitment to promoting resilience, inclusivity, and unity through initiatives like the Invictus Games continues to resonate, fostering stronger bonds and connections across borders.
