On May 10th, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle touched down in Abuja, Nigeria, kicking off a three-day visit that has already stirred up quite a buzz.
Their first stop?
Lightway Academy, a local school nestled in the heart of the capital.
Following their educational outreach, the couple made their way to the defense headquarters, but not without some notable absence from key Nigerian officials.
Despite being in the same city, President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister decided to give Harry and Meghan the cold shoulder, opting not to meet with them during their stay.
It raises eyebrows, doesn’t it?
After all, one might think a royal visit would warrant at least a brief audience.
But it seems that in the grand scheme of things, there are more pressing issues on the agenda in Abuja.
It’s almost as if they’re saying, “No big deal,” to the globally recognized couple.
This snub could lead to some uncomfortable conversations back home, especially with King Charles, who met President Tinubu at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai last year.
Tinubu had praised the British monarch as a fervent advocate for climate action.
So, what does it say when the Nigerian leadership decides to overlook the presence of Harry and Meghan?
The implications are certainly worth pondering.
The primary reason for Harry and Meghan’s trip revolves around promoting the Invictus Games, an event celebrating wounded veterans that is now in its tenth year.
However, royal commentator Kinsey Schofield suggests that this visit might be more about image management than altruism.
She speculates that the couple is eager to elevate their public profile, making themselves appear more significant than they truly are.
Just last week, Meghan was spotted delivering jars of jam to affluent neighbors in Montecito, which highlights a stark contrast to their current mission in Nigeria.
There’s an undeniable sense that they are courting Nigeria as a potential host for future Invictus Games, and the attention they garner here could play a pivotal role in that endeavor.
Schofield believes the Nigerian people will embrace the couple, celebrating their presence as a significant honor.
As the days unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that this journey might not be as private as initially suggested.
What started as a supposedly low-key visit is morphing into something resembling a royal tour, complete with activities that echo traditional royal engagements.
It’s almost like watching a dress rehearsal for a much larger production.
Speaking about the visit, Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, clarified that Harry and Meghan are in the country in a private capacity, not representing the British government.
This statement seems essential, especially given the surrounding speculation.
