The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has clarified that the British High Commission is not involved in organizing or facilitating the proposed visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, to Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Montgomery emphasized that Prince Harry and Meghan will be visiting Nigeria in their private capacity and will not represent the British government during their visit.
He stated, “It’s great that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defence Headquarters. But they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one.
So, the British High Commission is not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme. They are not representing the work of His Majesty’s Government on this visit.”
Prince Harry and Meghan are scheduled to embark on their journey on May 8, beginning with the 10th-anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Meghan will later join Prince Harry in Nigeria for a series of engagements aimed at fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the resilience of service members.
Their itinerary includes visits to military rehabilitation centers, sports facilities, and meetings with local organizations supporting veterans’ welfare.
Additionally, they will attend cultural events and engage in discussions with community leaders on various topics.
The significance of their trip to Nigeria lies in Prince Harry’s dedication to the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, has expressed eagerness to host the games in the future, affirming the country’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and sportsmanship.
Meghan’s revelation of her Nigerian ancestry, with her genealogy test showing she is 43% Nigerian, further strengthens her connection to Nigeria and fosters a sense of shared identity and belonging between her and the Nigerian people.
