Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reflecting on their trip to Nigeria, which marked their first royal tour since they both moved to America. While the trip was short, it was full of opportunities for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to immerse themselves in local culture and allowed royal fans to soak in all the fashion that Meghan’s come to be known for.
As the trip wrapped up, Harry explained that the tour was a way for both he and his wife to focus on their passion projects, like mental health and the Invictus Games—and seeing everything in action was “meaningful” on multiple levels.
“These trips are about us being able to go out and go and focus on the things that mean so much to us. And being able to be on the ground, to us, is what it’s all about,” Harry told People.
“It’s really meaningful. Just being able to connect to people…that’s what makes it special,” Meghan added.
While the trip was touching for both Harry and Meghan, it also fell on American Mother’s Day, giving the duchess a chance to reflect on motherhood.
On Mother’s Day, she noted that it was poignant to be learning more about “my heritage, that I’m able to share with my children,” she says. “That’s such a special thing as a mother to know you can do.”
The trip included stops at Lightway Academy in Abuja and appearances in Lagos.
Back in 2019, Harry and Meghan toured South Africa together and People notes that this trip had many similarities to that royal tour. Addressing a group of teens on that occasion, Meghan shared, “I am here…as your sister.” This time, in Nigeria, she said “Looking around this room, I see myself in all of you, as well.”
“I always reflect back on myself as a young girl and the type of inspiration that I wanted to see in other women. I hope in some small way I can be a part of that for a lot of these young girls especially,” Meghan told People. “I saw myself in them. I see the potential in all of these young girls—and, by the way, in these young boys, as well.”
Harry also reflected on the trip and its connection to the Invictus Games. Part of the trip was to showcase the country in hopes that it could one day host the games.
“You know what Africa means to me over the years,” he said. “It is a very, very special place, and to be able to include Nigeria now [in the Invictus Games], I’m very happy.”
Source – INSTYLE
