Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's three-day visit to Nigeria has been branded a 'missed opportunity' by a royal expert, underscoring the ongoing tensions between the couple and the royal family. The unofficial tour was largely deemed a success, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex receiving a warm welcome, but it also drew attention to what could have been had they remained working royals.
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, the Mirror's Royal Editor Russell Myers said: 'I think it's at times like this, it's an opportunity missed. When you see them, the glitz and the glamour, shining a light on all these charities abroad. We could have had a bit of that if people had maybe towed the line on either side.'
The visit came amid a strained relationship with the royal family. During Harry's brief trip to London the previous week, he failed to meet any family members, with King Charles reportedly 'too busy' for a reunion. The Sussexes stepped down as senior royals in 2020, and tensions have only increased since.
An awkward moment occurred when the couple had to stand for 'God Save the King' during a charity event in Nigeria. The King and Prince William are said to be frustrated by the tour being dubbed an 'unofficial royal tour'. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! magazine: 'The King and Prince William are firmly of the belief that you are either in or out of the working Royals. This seems to be a rather strange halfway house.'
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, confirmed the couple were visiting in a private capacity at the invitation of Nigeria's Defence Headquarters. He stated: '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.'
