Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hint there are more quasi-royal African tours in the pipeline as they thank Nigeria for 'the first of many memorable trips'

Theme:
Font Size:
24px

Their statement added: 'The Duke and Duchess would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the event organisers, military officials and the whole Nigerian community for their tremendous hospitality and the first of many memorable trips.'

But the Sussexes did not mention the news emerging overnight that their Archewell Foundation was listed as 'delinquent' by a US charity regulator. Sources close to the couple claimed today that this was because state officials did not process a cheque.

The couple hailed their time in Nigeria as 'unforgettable' in a press release on Sussex.com

The couple hailed their time in Nigeria as 'unforgettable' in a press release on Sussex.com

TRENDING

There have been eight press releases on Sussex.com about the couple's Nigeria trip which took them to Abuja and Lagos and ran last week from Friday until Sunday.

article image

Harry and Meghan are thought to have flown from Abuja to London Heathrow yesterday before heading onto Los Angeles to be reunited with their children Archie and Lilibet.

Today, in a press release about their trip coming to end, the Sussexes referred to the reception they received in Lagos and their attendance at a polo match.

The statement said: 'Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex concluded their unforgettable trip to Nigeria with a cultural reception in Lagos and a polo match fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered.

'The couple was greeted with a beautiful pre-game parade – a vibrant display of young enthusiasts in polo gear, proudly waving the green and white flags of Nigeria – followed by a procession of older children on horseback, setting the tone for a day filled with sport and spirit.

'The friendly rivalry between the teams, aptly named Duke vs Duchess, added a layer of excitement to the event, with the Duchess's team claiming victory with a score of 5-3. The day was capped off with the couple presenting medals, a gesture of appreciation for the players' prolific talent and dedication.

Harry and Meghan following a charity polo game at the Ikoyi Polo Club in Lagos on May 12

Harry and Meghan following a charity polo game at the Ikoyi Polo Club in Lagos on May 12

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit the Lagos State Governor's Office in Nigeria on May 12

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit the Lagos State Governor's Office in Nigeria on May 12

'The Duke and Duchess would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the event organisers, military officials and the whole Nigerian community for their tremendous hospitality and the first of many memorable trips.'

 

article image

It follows Harry and Meghan's visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.

The couple attended events related to Harry's Invictus Games, which Nigeria is seeking to host in future.

The Sussexes were also welcomed at the Lagos State Government House and met military officials at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

Following their trip

The organisation was also billed as 'not in good standing' by the Registry of Charities and Fundraisers - part of the Department of Justice in  the state where the Duke and ơlive in a £12million mansion and operate the charity.

The registry said Archewell failed to properly submit its annual report or renewal fees and has banned it from either fundraising or distributing charitable funds for now.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand for God Save The King in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 11

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand for God Save The King in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 11

News in the same category