Dr Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has clarified that the British High Commission has no role in organizing or facilitating the anticipated visit of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to Nigeria.
In response to the proposed visit of the royal couple to Nigeria, invited by Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Montgomery stated in an interview with NAN that the couple will be visiting Nigeria privately.
He further explained that their visit does not represent the activities of the British government.
“It’s wonderful that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of the Defence Headquarters. However, they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one. Therefore, the British High Commission is not involved in arranging or facilitating their itinerary. They are not representing the work of His Majesty’s Government on this visit.”
The journey is expected to commence on May 8, with Prince Harry attending the 10th anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Meghan will join him shortly after in Nigeria for a series of engagements aimed at promoting cultural exchange and celebrating the spirit of resilience among service members.
Their itinerary includes visits to military rehabilitation centers, sports facilities, and meetings with local organizations working to support veterans’ welfare. They will also attend cultural events and engage in discussions with community leaders on various topics.
The trip to Nigeria is particularly significant as it highlights Prince Harry’s dedication to the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. Last year’s Invictus Games in Germany saw the participation of 500 athletes from 21 countries, including Nigeria, Colombia, and Israel, marking their debut in the event.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, has expressed his desire to host the games in the future, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and sportsmanship.
During their time at the Invictus Games in Germany, Meghan and Harry shared memorable moments with Team Nigeria, showcasing their support and camaraderie. In a lighthearted exchange, Prince Harry joked about the friendly competition between him and Meghan, especially since she discovered her Nigerian heritage.
Meghan’s connection to Nigeria is profound, as she revealed on her podcast Archetypes that she has Nigerian ancestry, with her genealogy test showing she is 43% Nigerian. This revelation further strengthens the bond between the Duchess and the Nigerian people, fostering a sense of shared identity and belonging. (NAN)