Despite stepping down from royal duties in 2020 and being banned from official engagements, Harry and Meghan recently spent three days in Nigeria. Their visit included promoting the Invictus Games, visiting a school, and inspecting a military parade—activities reminiscent of a full royal tour.
Tom Sykes, royal editor for The Daily Beast, told The Express, “Everywhere they went in Nigeria, they were greeted as royalty.”
Harry and Meghan’s visit to Nigeria, which appeared much like a state visit, was at the invitation of Christopher Muse, Chief of Defence Staff of the West African nation, aiming to promote the Invictus Games. Nigeria is considering hosting the sporting event in the future.
Critics argue that these visits promote the couple’s personal initiatives. Sykes noted, “The royals can’t stop them from doing more tours, but the government might seek to apply serious diplomatic pressure on friendly states not to host these quasi-royal tours.”
He believes more visits like the one to Nigeria are likely, suggesting that “Harry and Meghan are effectively declaring that they will continue to leverage their royal status.”
Meghan Markle faces UNANTICIPATED criticism: The brutal seven-word swipe from Nigeria’s First Lady
In a brutal seven-word swipe, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said: “We don’t accept nakedness in our culture.”
Senator Tinubu has caused a stir with her comments about Meghan Markle’s attire during the royal couple’s recent visit to the country. The Duchess of Sussex, known for her fashion-forward choices, faced criticism from the First Lady, who seemed to take issue with Meghan’s wardrobe.
The Event: Celebrating the Woman
The incident occurred during an event titled “Celebrating the Woman,” where Senator Tinubu acknowledged the significant contributions of women in all aspects of life. While praising women’s achievements, she made a veiled reference to Meghan Markle, emphasizing the need for cultural sensitivity.
The Controversial Remarks
Addressing the gathering, Senator Tinubu stated, “We are not having a Met Gala. The nakedness is just everywhere, and the men are well-clothed. So we have to do something. Tell them we don’t accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful. It’s not beautiful at all.”
She further stressed that both males and females must be confident in their identity and not emulate American cinema stars. “They don’t know where they come from. Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? We know who we are. Don’t lose who you are,” she asserted.
When the First Lady of Nigeria puts your name, nakedness and ignorance about your identity in the same sentence…
Ouch!!! pic.twitter.com/qP5ubpEyNL— Melanated Mona (@Melanated_Mona) May 25, 2024
Royal Fans React
Following the First Lady’s speech, royal fans expressed their opinions. One fan commented, “Meghan Markle managed to create an international incident! We warned her about the clothes.” Another added, “I am glad the First Lady sees how some visitors choose to disrespect Nigeria’s people & culture. It was disgraceful to dress that way, especially in the presence of children. It is a pattern of behavior for Meghan & Harry.”
Meghan and Harry’s Successful Trip
Despite the controversy, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s three-day Nigeria trip was deemed successful. The royal couple met with top officials and locals, engaging in various activities. However, Meghan’s fashion choices became a focal point, leading to this unexpected clash between cultural norms and modern style.
The clash between tradition and contemporary fashion highlights the challenges faced by public figures like Meghan Markle. As the Duchess continues to navigate her royal role, she must balance personal expression with cultural sensitivity—a delicate dance that captures global attention.
