This morning, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Nigeria, marking the beginning of their much-anticipated Fox World tour.
The couple jetted in together from London, with Meghan having made a solo appearance at Heathrow Airport after flying in from Los Angeles.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, she reunited with Harry in the airport’s VIP Windsor suite before they both boarded a British Airways flight to Abuja.
Their journey, however, wasn’t without its hiccups.
The couple faced a slight delay due to the scheduled pilot falling ill, requiring a last-minute replacement.
Once aboard the Boeing 777, Harry and Meghan settled into the first-class section, separated from other passengers by a curtain, ensuring a bit of privacy during the overnight flight.
The duo touched down in Nigeria just before 5 a.m., where they were met by officials at Abuja Namidi Azikwe International Airport.
As they disembarked, the couple exchanged friendly smiles with the cabin crew while other travelers waited patiently.
They were escorted through a side door onto the jetty and whisked away in a waiting blacked-out minibus.
In terms of attire, Meghan opted for black trousers paired with a stylish brown jacket, while Harry sported a black jacket, trousers, and an open-necked shirt.
Their luggage was handled by aides, accompanied by the same security team that had been with Harry during his recent trip to London.
It’s rumored that the couple will be staying at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, where the presidential suite commands a hefty price of £600 per night.
Interestingly, it seems their usual circle of private jet-owning friends has dwindled.
With the White House declining to provide Meghan with Air Force One, the couple chose to travel on a commercial flight, seeking privacy behind the curtains.
Despite the change in travel arrangements, they still demonstrated their financial means by employing aides for their luggage and security.
Reflecting on their past choices, one can’t help but wonder how different things might have been had they maintained a respectful relationship with the royal family.
Had they chosen a more harmonious path, they could have been enjoying royal privileges, basking in the glory of a grand welcome as representatives of the monarchy.
While in Nigeria, their agenda is packed with activities, including attending a volleyball game and visiting military hospitals and charities in both Abuja and Lagos.
The Defence HQ unveiled their itinerary during a press conference, revealing plans for meetings with injured armed forces personnel and their families.
On the first day of their visit, there will be a quiet reception—though one might imagine limp croissants and lukewarm coffee as part of the experience.
This invitation came directly from General Christopher Muser, the Chief of Defence Staff, following a meeting with Harry and Meghan at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf last September.
Further details of their itinerary include a visit to Wu’s Light Academy and a meeting with Nigeria’s security chief.
Additionally, they will travel to Kaduna State to visit the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, where they will spend time with recovering soldiers on Saturday, May 11th.
In a unique twist, an exhibition volleyball match is set to take place between the Chief of Defence Staff’s team and Harry’s team, followed by a reception where the Sussexes will engage with families of soldiers and loved ones of fallen officers.
As the tour progresses, their schedule includes a meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday, May 12th, and attendance at a basketball exhibition match at a local school.
