The Sussexes travelled from Abuja to Lagos on the third and final day of their trip to Nigeria, where the Duchess was sweetly wished a Happy Mother’s Day.
It was an action-packed day for the Sussexes, who headed to a basketball court at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School for a special game.
Harry and Meghan were welcomed by ex-NBA star Masai Ujiri, Chairman and President of the non-profit organisation Giants of Africa, which travels the continent to run children’s basketball camps, build courts, and facilitate outreach initiatives.Â
They then had a private meeting with Babjide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, where they discussed the importance of their work with the Invictus Games in protecting veterans’ mental health.
The day culminated in a fierce battle between Harry and Meghan at the Lagos Polo Club, with the Duchess of Sussex’s team emerging victorious.
Polo Wars – Harry vs. Meghan
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the prestigious Lagos Polo Club for a special reception in aid of Nigeria Unconquered, where keen polo player Harry no doubt felt perfectly at home.
Following a pre-game parade including young children on foot waving Nigerian flags and older riders on horseback, the game was introduced – a friendly match of Duke vs Duchess teams.
The couple, who didn’t take part in the match themselves, took pride of place in the polo club’s top tier to watch the game. They also met with supporters of the organisation helping veterans and wounded soldiers by challenging through adaptive sports.
The game ended 5-3 to the Duchess’s team, much to her delight!
Prince Harry surprised the crowds after a medal presentation by thanking everyone for their hospitality in an impromptu speech.
Private meeting with the Governor of Lagos State
On Sunday afternoon, following a quick change at a city centre hotel, the pair enjoyed a private meeting with Babjide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State.
Meghan looked gorgeous in a long yellow dress with a loose fit. The dress was the very same one worn for Prince Archie’s first birthday party in 2020, which fans caught a glimpse of in the couple’s Netflix documentary.
She wore her hair pinned up in a chignon and added circular gold pendant earrings and a choker necklace. Harry, meanwhile looked smart in a beige jacket, black tie, and matching chinos.
The duchess added a beautiful shawl – a gift from the governor’s wife – worn diagonally across the garment.Â
“For Prince Harry, this has been a very interesting and very informative trip to the country,” Sanwo-Olu said. “He has seen a lot and is still soaking in a whole lot. One of the things we are hoping he will take away is he sees the diversity and the extent of how big our country is and how we continue to ensure that we live together in peace and harmony.”
Sanwo-Olu praised Prince Harry’s work with the Invictus Games and around mental health in general.
He said: “We are happy for what they are doing for military men and mental health issues and mental illness,” adding that it is essential that “people who require the support both in the military and private can seek the support. The denial, the stigmatization is one of the things that we talked about.”
Basketball fun
The couple enjoyed a sporty start to the day when they were welcomed on the basketball court at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School to enjoy a series of street-style dances.
They appeared in great spirits, gasping and clapping as they watched an acrobatic performance that featured a young boy being thrown between two dancers and the impressive performers forming human towers.
Looking as stylish as ever, the royal mother-of-two donned a Caroline Herrera shirt over a traditional Nigerian skirt she had been presented as a gift.
