A meaningful and emotional visit
Last May 10, the Dukes of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, paid a visit to Nigeria, a country with which Meghan has a deep personal connection. According to his own statements, 45% of his genetic background is Nigerian. This trip was part of an international tour to promote the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games, an event of significance to both Dukes. However, what was supposed to be a meaningful and emotional visit became a focus of controversy and criticism.
Style and fashion in the center of attention
Meghan Markle arrived in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, with a fashion display that surprised everyone. Her choice of high-end designer outfits such as Yves Saint Laurent, Carolina Herrera and Burberry caught everyone’s attention. At the opening event, Meghan, dressed in an elegant Heidi Merrick model, spoke about her identification with Nigerian women. She expressed her admiration and assured that she saw herself in each of them. In contrast, Prince Harry gave a speech about the importance of mental health, evoking the memory of his mother, Princess Diana. Throughout her stay, Meghan sported several stunning outfits, including a Carolina Herrera tunic design in lemon yellow, accessorized with an artisanal lime green shawl, and a striking red dress with spaghetti straps and ribbed detailing, which she used for a women’s empowerment event organized by her Archewell Foundation.
Contrasting opinions
However, this deployment of glamor was not well received by everyone. Nigerian First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu publicly criticized Meghan’s style, suggesting that her attire was inappropriate for Nigerian culture. The senator expressed her view that Nigerian women should maintain their authenticity and preserve their identity, instead of trying to imitate Hollywood celebrities. These criticisms generated a debate about fashion and culture, with diverse opinions on the subject.
Reactions in the British Royal House
The visit of the Dukes of Sussex to Nigeria not only generated local controversy and irritation, but also provoked a strong reaction from the British Royal House. Buckingham Palace reportedly called a crisis meeting to address the fallout from the trip. Prince of Wales William and King Charles III expressed their displeasure with the way Meghan and Harry were received in Nigeria, as if they were on an official royal tour. This situation has generated concern about the image of the British Royal House and the role of the Dukes of Sussex in the institution.