prince harry and meghan markle We landed in Nigeria with a “presidential-style” security team for a 72-hour stay in the country.
However, their security plans have become a hot topic among former British royal guards. They said the visit was hypocritical and a performative act by the couple.
The royal couple have been busy in Nigeria so far, with Prince Harry visiting Kaduna to welcome injured military officers.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are under tight security in Nigeria
During the 72-hour private trip, Harry and Meghan reportedly paid for a four-person security team each and received strong protection from the Nigerian government.
However, their decision to visit the UK was branded “hypocritical” in the UK.
Former Crown protection officer Dai Davies said: daily mail About how Harry and Meghan's security plans led him astray.
“The sight of all the presidential security is really disturbing,” he said. “I’m not saying the Foreign Office is allowing a couple who just want their privacy to visit one of the most dangerous places in the world.” Plus, it’s crazy and you wonder why.”
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Davis claimed it would have been “safer and easier” for Harry and Meghan to take injured Nigerian soldiers by plane rather than visiting London.
He added: “We have to ask ourselves, is this really about charity or is it just Harry and Meghan’s show?” [?]”
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Another former royal officer branded the royal couple 'hypocrites'.
Former royal protector Ken Wharfe also criticized Prince Harry and Meghan's visit to Nigeria.
He questioned how Harry could visit the high-risk country after previously complaining about security issues in his home country.
Worf said. daily mail The thing is that the whole trip made Harry's “hypocrisy” very clear.
He said: “I went to Nigeria with Harry's parents and it was quite illegal there at the time. If the safety of his wife and children was his priority, you have to question why he went there.”
Wharfe added: “He’s going to a high-risk country and I’m sure he’ll be looked after, but he’s a high-level target and he’s definitely going to get into the feathers of anyone trying to have a dramatic impact on him.”
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The Sussexes have a busy visiting schedule
Prince Harry and Meghan attend the Nigerian Army Officers' Mess in Abuja, the second of their three-day visit to Nigeria. They watched a sit-down volleyball game with a team of athletes from local organizations they support through Invictus, and Duke took part. pic.twitter.com/Mxjnj7MrqN
— Simi Zolaoso (@simijourno) May 11, 2024
After landing in Nigeria, Harry and Meghan visited Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
The couple then met several military wives outside the residence and received warm greetings from the waiting crowd. The next part of the trip featured Harry and Meghan splitting up for separate events.
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Prince Harry flew from the capital, Abuja, to Kaduna State to visit wounded soldiers in a military hospital. Meanwhile, Meghan attended a private event held at an undisclosed location. The couple will also be attending a volleyball match for wounded soldiers in Abuja during the tour.
Upon arriving at Kaduna Military Hospital, Harry was greeted by dancers and apologized for not being able to bring Meghan.
“The focus here in Kaduna is the wounded, wounded and sick men and women who serve in the Nigerian Armed Forces and keep our people safe,” he said.
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Harry and Meghan visited a university in Abuja.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games. ??? pic.twitter.com/TfxbpkYC72
— ExtraTV (@extratv) May 10, 2024
During their trip, Harry and Meghan also visited Lightway Academy school, which is supported by the Archewell Foundation. The school aims to educate young girls affected by various conflicts in Nigeria.
At the school, the royal couple launched the first mental health summit hosted by local non-profit GEANCO, a partner of the foundation.
Upon arriving at the school, Harry and Meghan were welcomed by the dance troupe and a large group of students and teachers. The Duchess of Sussex also joined in the dancing.
The royal duo were lovely guests at the school and happily posed for pictures with the students. One student shared a photo of herself with Megan with the sweet caption: “She's literally so nice!”
Harry and Meghan discussed mental health during their visit and noted its importance to their family and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
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Meghan Markle avoids visiting UK with Prince Harry
Before Meghan and Prince Harry visited Nigeria, the duke visited the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.
Meghan decided to stay in California with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, leaving Harry to travel alone.
According to reports at the time, the Duchess of Sussex was worried about the safety of her children. Speaking to The Sun, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted that Meghan will not be coming to the UK because of “her hostility towards him”.
While in England, Harry did not meet any members of the royal family. But he did see his mother, the late Princess Diana's siblings Earl Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes, who supported him at the Invictus event.