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On Friday, May 10th, 2024, a wave of excitement rippled through Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, embarked on their first official visit to the African nation. The “royal” couple, known for their advocacy for social causes close to their hearts, had chosen education and mental health as the cornerstones of their Nigerian engagement.
Their first stop was the Lightway Academy, a bustling school teeming with enthusiastic students. Greeted by a vibrant performance of traditional Nigerian dance and music, the Sussexes were instantly captivated by the warm welcome. Prince Harry, known for his easygoing charm, engaged with the students, trading jokes and exchanging stories. Later, he and Meghan tapped into their inner child as they sang and danced with the young pupils.
Here are some of the highlights of the Sussexes visit to Nigeria…
Formal Welcome and Invictus Games

Following their inspiring visit to the Lightway Academy, the Sussexes headed to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja for a formal welcome by Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff. Here, the focus shifted to Prince Harry’s ongoing commitment to the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style sporting event for injured veterans and service personnel.
Prince Harry, ever the passionate advocate, praised Nigeria for adopting sport as part of rehabilitation. “You’re not the first country to notice that it not only transforms lives but saves lives,” he declared. His words resonated, acknowledging the power of sport in healing and empowering veterans. He expressed his “eternal gratitude” to those involved in bringing the Invictus Games to Nigeria, recognizing the potential impact it could have on injured service personnel.
Upon their arrival at the Armed Forces’ Officers Mess, Harry and Meghan were presented with scarves in Nigeria’s iconic green and white colors. They then observed a sitting volleyball match before Harry was warmly invited to join in. The game saw ‘Team Harry’ facing off against ‘Team CDS,’ a nod to the military’s chief of defense staff, who orchestrated the couple’s visit to Nigeria. Harry enthusiastically participated in several rounds of the match as Meghan cheered on.
Championing Mental Health and Education

At the Lightway Academy, the couple, both wearing gifted necklaces made of large beads reflecting the local culture, addressed the student body. Meghan, radiating warmth and sincerity, expressed the couple’s honor to be visiting Nigeria.
Mental health awareness, a cause they both champion, took center stage. Speaking from a small stage, Meghan emphasized the importance of open communication. “There is no need to suffer in silence,” she urged the students. “Just make sure you’re taking care of yourselves and your mental health by really talking about whatever is coming up for you.” Her message, delivered with genuine concern, aimed to break down stigmas surrounding mental health issues, particularly among the younger generation.
The welcoming committee at the Lightway Academy included the CEO of GEANCO, a non-profit organization with ties to the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation. This connection hinted at potential collaborations between the organizations, fostering positive change in the educational landscape of Nigeria.
A Glimpse into Family Life
The couple also spoke about their two young children to add a personal touch to their visit. Meghan revealed Princess Lili’s love for “singing and dancing” classes, while Prince Harry shared Prince Archie’s enthusiasm for “construction” activities. These glimpses into their family life offered a relatable side to the royal couple, further endearing them to the Nigerian audience.
Also, in a candid moment during her Nigerian visit, and to celebrate Mother’s Day, Meghan Markle shed light on a personal side rarely seen publicly. Speaking at a Women in Leadership event, the Duchess openly discussed motherhood. She described it as a cherished dream come true, with her “very chatty, sweet children” keeping her life full. But with a laugh, she acknowledged the juggling act of motherhood and a busy life, admitting that achieving perfect “balance” is an ever-shifting challenge. This glimpse into the life of a working royal mom resonated with the audience, offering a relatable and endearing image of Meghan Markle, the woman behind the title.
A Visit Filled with Promise

The Sussexes’ visit to Nigeria was indeed a landmark event. Their focus on mental health awareness, educational empowerment, and the potential of the Invictus Games resonated deeply with many Nigerians, at home and abroad. As their Nigerian tour unfolded, the world anticipated how the Sussexes translated their well-intentioned advocacy into tangible positive change.
A Royal Visit: Celebration and Hope Amidst Realities
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to Nigeria for the Invictus Games was quite a multifaceted trip. For many Nigerians, it also served as a joyous opportunity to welcome a Duchess of Nigerian ancestry. As Meghan enjoyed a warm welcome “home,” she did so in her signature effortless chic style, now free from royal constraints. The duo appeared to have fallen in love with Nigeria as Harry addressed a gathering of traditional kings as his in-laws during a naming ceremony in honor of Meghan’s “homecoming.” The duchess was given the title Ada Mazi, which translates to first daughter of an aristocrat in the Igbo language. With this, she becomes a honorary Princess of the Arochukwu Ancient Kingdom.
A Touch of Home: The Duchess Expresses Gratitude

The visit held special significance for Meghan. As she addressed the students at Lightway Academy, she surprised everyone with a heartfelt statement, thanking the people of Nigeria for “welcoming me home.” This unexpected declaration hinted that the Duchess had a special connection to Nigeria, perhaps due to her ancestral heritage. It instantly endeared her to the audience and added a deeper layer of warmth to the visit. Throughout their visit, Meghan seized even more opportunities to express her gratitude.
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit held a unique significance, the national pride was accompanied by an undercurrent of the country’s existing struggles. Nigerians are a people known for their strength and perseverance. Yet, poverty, insecurity, and corruption remain persistent challenges. As a result, while focused on the inspiring Invictus Games, the royal visit served as a reminder of the global spotlight that can bring attention to these issues. Nigerians hope that with this renewed focus, the country’s struggles won’t fade from memory.
Ultimately, the visit was a chance to celebrate achievement and resilience in the face of adversity. It also functioned as a call to action for a brighter future for Nigeria.
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An enchanting wordsmith and style virtuoso. My collection of vintage scarves reflects my love for stories, beauty and style. Each scarf whispers its tale of inspiration. At Style Rave, we aim to inspire our readers by providing engaging content to not just entertain but to inform and empower you as you ASPIRE to become more stylish, live smarter and be healthier. Follow us on Instagram @StyleRave_ ♥