Prince Harry and Meghan Markle undertook a three-day visit to Nigeria earlier this month, with the trip branded a ‘quasi-royal tour’ by some Royal experts
According to a Royal expert, the Royal Family may not be able to prevent Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from embarking on more privately sanctioned overseas tours, but they can certainly meddle with the couple’s plans. Earlier this month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex jetted off to Nigeria for a three-day visit, where they promoted the Invictus Games, visited a school, and inspected a military parade – activities that echoed those of a full-blown Royal tour.
Despite their departure from official Royal duties in 2020 to pursue a life in the USA, the couple has continued to engage in such activities. They have also managed to amass millions through private ventures, including Harry’s autobiography ‘Spare’ and their Netflix series.
Tom Sykes, The Daily Beast’s Royal editor weighed in on the situation when he said: “Everywhere they went in Nigeria they were greeted as royalty. The royals can’t stop them doing more tours, but the government might seek to apply serious diplomatic pressure on friendly states not to host these quasi-royal tours.”, reports the Express.
READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘invited to Ghana’ after overwhelming success in Nigeria
Harry and Meghan were invited to Nigeria by Christopher Muse, the Chief of Defence Staff of the western African nation, with the aim of promoting the Invictus Games, which Nigeria is considering hosting in the future. While in the country, the couple appeared to be well received by citizens of the African nation and wasted no time in speaking to local individuals as much as possible.
Critics argue that Harry and Meghan’s overseas visits are primarily designed to promote their personal initiatives, unlike royal tours which are largely ceremonial and designed to foster international relations. Yet following the success of the tour, Mr Sykes predicts that such overseas visits will not end with Nigeria and anticipates more royal-like tours in the future.
He stated: “Harry and Meghan are effectively declaring that they will continue to leverage their royal status.”
In fact, Harry and Meghan’s trip to Nigeria went so well, it has now been suggested that Ghanaian officials are keen for the royal couple to visit Ghana on an upcoming tour.
A source told The Mirror: “There is already a lot of talk and excitement in Ghana, everyone is so keen for Harry and Meghan to come and experience the great culture and warmth. Several top names have already visited Ghana in recent years from Ed Sheeran, Naomi Campbell and One Direction’s Liam Payne. Idris Elba, who DJ’d at Harry and Meghan’s wedding is a regular too, he is part-Ghanaian and loves spending time ‘back home.'”
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
