Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are scheduled to visit Nigeria in May for discussions on the Invictus Games, an initiative founded by the Duke of Sussex to support the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans, according to a statement from Nigerian defense spokesman Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau on Sunday.
While the exact dates of Prince Harry’s arrival in Africa have not been disclosed, it is anticipated that he will undertake the trip following a service at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral commemorating the 10th anniversary of the games.
Nigeria was among the nations that participated in last year’s games, showcasing its military personnel who have been engaged in a protracted battle against Islamic extremists in the country’s northeast since 2009.
Inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States, the Invictus Games, established by Prince Harry in 2014, provide wounded veterans with the opportunity to compete in sporting events akin to the Paralympics.
Prince Harry, having served in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter copilot gunner from 2012-2013, has been a vocal advocate for veterans in need of support.
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During his visit to Nigeria, Prince Harry is expected to engage in cultural activities and discussions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s participation in the games and exploring the prospect of hosting the event in future years, according to Brig. Gen. Gusau.
In his recent Netflix series documenting the games, Prince Harry candidly discussed his struggles with mental health upon returning home from combat in Afghanistan. He revealed that his return in 2012 stirred up emotions he had suppressed since the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12 years old.
Prince Harry emphasized the importance of addressing post-traumatic stress disorder and highlighted the lack of support he encountered upon his return, suggesting that the impact of Princess Diana’s death had never been adequately addressed.
The impending visit to Nigeria comes amidst ongoing media scrutiny of Prince Harry’s relationship with the royal family, as he and Meghan continue to pursue their philanthropic endeavors and advocate for causes close to their hearts.