PHOTOS KUNLE OGUNFUYI, DEJI ATE, ANDREW ESIEBO
Over the last weekend, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, embarked on a humanitarian visit to the country to advance the mission of their foundation, the Archewell Foundation. It is their first international tour since they relinquished their royal roles in 2020.
The crux of their visit centred around the Invictus Games, one of several events hosted by the foundation to promote mental health education worldwide through various initiatives and programmes aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues and providing access to resources and support for those in need.
Created by Prince Harry, the games focus on wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans. They take part in sports including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and indoor rowing, with the aim of inspiring recovery, supporting rehabilitation, and generating a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.
Nigeria first participated in the Invictus Games at the latest cycle of the competition in September 2023, and the couple were invited to the country by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
On Friday, May 10, the royals made their first entry into the country aboard a British Airways flight via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 5 a.m. Prince Harry, 39, and Markle, 42, then proceeded with the first leg of their tour to Light Way Academy, Abuja. There, both Prince Harry and Markle actively engaged the pupils through dance and singing songs while passing on the message of mental health.
“If you take anything from today, just know that mental health affects every single person in the entire world. And the more you talk about it, the more you kick the stigma away,” said Prince Harry.
After that session at the school, Prince Harry took a short trip to Kaduna State, where he was warmly received by the state governor, Uba Sani, accompanied by a dance troupe. The trip culminated in a visit to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in northern Kaduna.
The prince met with dozens of injured, recuperating servicemen. Individually, he walked up to each of them to inquire about their well-being, shaking hands and giving a smile of encouragement. He was also taken on a tour around the facility by Colonel NS Onuchukwu, who explained in detail the advancements and milestones recorded at the facility.
As a parting gift, he was presented with two portraits: one where he is with his mother, Princess Diana, and another with his wife, Markle.
The second day of the tour kicked off with so much adrenaline and pump in a sitting volleyball game organized by the charity organization, Nigeria Unconquered, which is responsible for putting together teams for the Invictus Game. The prince sat with injured army veterans on a court flanked by spectators, Markle included and joined the game, fiercely defending his team (named after him) to score points. Clips of these moments flooded social media platforms like TikTok, with many applauding his humility. While the Prince took centre stage at the games, Markle had some women’s empowerment to attend to.
Accompanied by the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, Markle co-hosted the Women in Leadership Nigeria event. The gathering served as a platform to address critical issues impacting women. Markle emphasised the importance of female role models and mentors in advancing female empowerment, highlighting the need for girls and women to have supportive figures to guide their journey towards success.
On a more jovial note, she delved into her lineage, revealing its connection to Nigeria discovered through a genealogy website.
“What has been echoed so much in the past day by men and women alike is, ‘We weren’t surprised when we found out you were Nigerian.’ And I say that mostly as a compliment to all of you because what they define as Nigerian women is: brave, resilient, courageous, powerful, beautiful,” said Markle.
To mark their final day in Abuja, a soiree was held in their honour at the Nigerian Army Officer’s Mess, where both of them radiated in their immaculate suit and evening gown.
The final day of the visit was spent in Lagos as the couple proceeded to Ilupeju Grammar School, Lagos, where a partnership between Archewell Foundation and Giants of Africa was unveiled. The couple was joined by Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors and Founder of Giants of Africa.
According to their official website, the partnership ensures that Giants of Africa will be able to expand programming to include an additional adaptive court and accessible sport for the community of Abuja.
Centred around the basketball court established by Giants of Africa, the organisation hosted a clinic for approximately 50 boys and girls, including wheelchair basketball athletes. Led by skilled coaches, the session incorporated skill development and team-building activities. The couple engaged with the attendees, sharing a touching exchange with Paralympian Dennis Ogbe, who highlighted the importance of inclusivity and the youth’s role in shaping Africa’s future. The Duke also participated in the lively ball-bouncing drills, infusing the day with sports, laughter, and profound conversations.
The couple later attended a reception by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who warmly welcomed the royals at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, accompanied by decorated officers and a cultural troupe to add colour to the entourage.
“We are, indeed, happy for what they are doing, especially for our military men, on the conversation around mental health issues and how they can galvanise their various NGOs to ensure that people who require their support, both in the military and private, can seek that support. Mental health issues are all around us,” Sanwo-Olu noted.
Following this, the couple had meetings with three distinguished traditional rulers: the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe; the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi; and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
The visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex culminated in a crescendo with a cultural reception in Lagos and a polo match fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered.
The couple received a warm welcome with a stunning pre-game parade. It showcased enthusiastic youngsters adorned in polo gear, joyfully waving Nigeria’s green and white flags. The procession continued with older children on horseback, setting the stage for a day brimming with sportsmanship and camaraderie.
The spirited competition between the teams, playfully dubbed Duke vs Duchess, injected an extra dose of excitement into the event, culminating in the Duchess’s team securing victory with a score of 5-3. The couple then awarded medals as a token of appreciation for the players’ remarkable talent and unwavering dedication. To conclude the day, a Charity grand ball was held at the Polo Club grounds where all proceeds where donated to the Nigeria Unconquered Organisation to help continue to support injured soldiers.
Truly, the visit left a lasting impression, becoming a cherished memory that countless Nigerians eagerly anticipate reliving in their lifetime.
