After an exhaustive 18-hour flight from Nigeria, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to Los Angeles, but not without a cloud of controversy hanging over them.
Their arrival comes just as questions swirl around the operational status of their charity, the Archwell Foundation, in California.
The couple, who wrapped up a three-day trip in Abuja, were seen being whisked away in a car from the private suites area of Los Angeles International Airport.
Reflecting on their recent travels, the Sussexes described their Nigerian visit as nothing short of fantastic.
Meghan, in a moment of personal connection, referred to Nigeria as her country, a sentiment that stems from a DNA test hinting at her Nigerian roots.
However, the timing of their return couldn’t have been more precarious, arriving just before Californian authorities announced the resolution of a delinquency issue linked to their charity.
The California Department of Justice had previously flagged the Archwell Foundation for not being in good standing, citing a failure to pay a $200 renewal fee.
This issue arose amidst troubling financial news for the charity, which saw a staggering drop of approximately $9 million in donations last year compared to the previous year.
As they stepped off the plane, the couple was accompanied by two bodyguards, a reminder of the intense scrutiny they face.
Meghan continued to draw attention with her fashion choices, opting for a Diana-inspired outfit once again.
Yet, what really caught the eye was the noticeable lack of physical connection between her and Harry.
After such a long flight, one can only imagine how eager they were to get home, shower, and slip into some comfortable clothes—a feeling we can all relate to.
As they made their way to the waiting SUV, Meghan strode confidently ahead, seemingly preoccupied with her phone.
This moment seemed to illustrate a shift in their dynamic; Meghan appeared to take the lead while Harry followed closely behind.
It’s a striking change from the usual scenes where she often appears more attached to him, showcasing a different side of their relationship.
Body language expert Judy James weighed in on this evolving dynamic, noting that during their Nigerian visit, the couple exhibited new gestures of intimacy.
They were seen holding each other’s wrists on multiple occasions, a gesture that Meghan used affectionately, reminiscent of a mother guiding her child.
In contrast, Harry’s execution of the same gesture seemed a bit more awkward, suggesting a learning curve in their shared expressions of closeness.
James pointed out that both Harry and Meghan demonstrated a need for flexibility in their body language, moving away from the rigid protocols typically associated with royal engagements.
Meghan’s regal posture and gracious smile contrasted with Harry’s more tentative approach as he greeted guests at a polo match in Lagos, where they both donned stylish sunglasses.
At the event, Harry matched Meghan’s elegance in an all-black suit paired with a grey button-down shirt, a coordinated look that further highlighted their partnership.
Observing their interactions, James noted that Harry appeared to be guiding Meghan into the spotlight, emphasizing her importance to him.
This new wrist-holding ritual they unveiled in Nigeria seems to symbolize a deeper bond, even if Harry’s attempts felt a bit clumsy at times.
Their usual clasped hands remained a staple, yet the absence of their royal entourage allowed for a more genuine display of their relationship.
As they navigated through the events, Meghan’s demeanor remained poised, while Harry took the initiative to engage with attendees first before introducing her.
This subtle shift in their roles during public appearances raises intriguing questions about how they are redefining their partnership in the public eye.
With their return to California now marked by both excitement and challenges, the world watches closely.
Will they manage to navigate the complexities of their charity’s issues while continuing to showcase their unique bond?
Only time will tell, but for now, it’s clear that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are charting their own course, one step at a time.