Harry (39 years old) and Meghan Markle (42 years) have been in Nigeria since last Friday, where the couple commemorates ten years of the Invictus Games and have been able to enjoy the country’s traditional culture during various activities in which they are participating. Invited by Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Defense, the couple have met with service members and attended several events in what is their return to the African continent for the first time since they visited South Africa in 2019, shortly before leaving the UK.
Since their arrival in Nigeria, the couple, who have traveled alone without their children, Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana, have been closer than ever. In fact, the Duchess of Sussex has opened up like never before about her role as a mother and her African origins. A few months ago, Meghan did a genealogical test and discovered that her roots are 43% Nigerian.
Meghan referred to Nigeria in a talk as “my country,” expressing her pride in her heritage and her excitement upon discovering her Nigerian roots. She emphasized the importance of understanding her background and expressed a desire to be a role model for young women.
During their visit to a school in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, Harry and Meghan talked about mental health awareness and the importance of breaking stigmas. Meghan shared a touching story about her daughter Lilibet and reflected on the joy of motherhood.
However, Meghan’s Nigerian roots have stirred controversy within the British royal family, especially following her previous statements about racism within the institution. In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan revealed that there were concerns within the royal family about Archie’s skin tone. With Meghan now acknowledging her Nigerian heritage, it remains to be seen how this revelation will impact the ongoing tensions within the royal family.
The couple’s visit to Nigeria has been a significant moment for Meghan, as she reconnects with her roots and expresses pride in her heritage. The trip has allowed Harry and Meghan to deepen their bond and engage in meaningful discussions about important issues such as mental health and identity.