Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were warmly embraced by individuals and communities throughout their three-day tour of Nigeria.
Their invitation to the West African country came from the chief of defense staff, with the Duke engaging with military veterans and the Duchess co-hosting a Women in Leadership event.
During their visit, the Sussexes were presented with a variety of gifts, including artwork, clothing, jewelry, and literature. These tokens of appreciation, such as beaded necklaces, a wooden mask, and books on Nigerian heritage, were given by students and staff at the Lightway Academy during their initial outing of the trip.
While there are stringent regulations regarding gifts given to working royals, Harry and Meghan relinquished their royal duties in 2020 and are no longer bound by such guidelines.
On the first day of their visit, Harry appeared particularly moved as he received two paintings: one depicting him and his mother, Diana, from his childhood, and another portraying him and Meghan, from the governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani. As they concluded their visit, they were presented with a large mirror featuring yet another painting of the couple.
The Duke then needed some help as he was asked to put on another gift – a traditional waistcoat, a ‘Big Gown’ and a Hula cap.
On the second day, the Duke and Duchess stepped for the Nigeria: Unconquered sitting volleyball match, Meghan beamed as she was given a sweet artwork, depicting animals, trees and sunshine, as well as a bouquet of roses from a little girl.
And as the pair sat down to watch the volleyball match, they each sported another present – scarves in the colours of Nigeria.
And later, when the Duke and Duchess attended a reception at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Harry looked honoured to receive a traditional Nigerian outfit from his hosts, including a shirt and a hat.
Meghan even wore her traditional Aso-Oke outfit made by Regalia by FAL with a white Carolina Herrera shirt on the final day of the Nigeria trip, as she and Harry visited the Giants of Africa at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School in Lagos.
The pair even received their own personalised T-Shirts, each emblazoned with “Harry Dreams Big” and “Meghan Dreams Big”.
When she later changed into a bold yellow dress by Carolina Herrera, Meghan was gifted a matching shawl, a gift from the wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Babjide Sanwo-Olu.
And as the Sussexes attended a charity polo game at the Ikoyi Polo Club in Lagos, Meghan sported traditional Nigerian coral drop earrings, which she had been given to her on the trip, with her Johanna Ortiz maxi dress.
