Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'not representing UK Government' on Nigeria trip amid royal tour claims
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have landed in Nigeria as they prepare to take part in a brief tour related to the Invictus Games, but it won't be linked to the UK
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won't be representing the UK when they're in Nigeria the British High Commissioner has confirmed, following reports of a "royal tour".
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have landed in Nigeria for their 72-hour whistle-stop tour which will see them visit the country's military headquarters and promote the Invictus Games. Some experts had claimed they were "playing the royal card" with the trip, but the British High Commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery has set the record straight.
He insisted the couple are not visiting Nigeria on official business. He said: "It's great that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defence Headquarters. But they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one."
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, Richard added: "So, the British High Commission is not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme. They are not representing the work of His Majesty's Government on this visit."
Harry and Meghan landed in Abuja on Friday morning after a reunion at Heathrow, with Meghan having landed in the UK on Thursday from Los Angeles. Today, the couple will visit Lagos following their trip to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters. Nigerian officials said the couple's trip will last until Monday, and a royal representative for the couple confirmed to The Mirror that members of the media will also be joining them on the trip.
While in Nigeria, the pair will watch a volleyball game, and visit military hospitals and charities in Abuja and Lagos. The Defence HQ revealed their itinerary in a press conference on Thursday, May 9, saying they are also scheduled to meet injured armed forces personnel and their families.
Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, the director of sports at the Nigerian Defence Ministry, said in a press briefing on Facebook Live on Thursday, that Harry and Meghan would visit the Wuse Light Academy before seeing Nigeria's security chief. The Sussexes will also travel to Kaduna state to go to the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital to visit with recovering wounded and injured soldiers.
On Saturday, May 11, they will have an exhibition of a novelty volleyball match between The Chief of Defence Staff team and the Duke's team. A reception will follow where the couple will be interacting with the families of the soldiers, loved ones of soldiers and officers killed in action, and other service members.
Harry and Meghan will then visit Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday, May 12, and then attend a basketball exhibition match at a school. A final reception will take place before their visit comes to an end on Monday.
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