Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning a visit to Nigeria in May on an invitation from the Nigerian Defence Office. The trip, which is not an official royal tour, will see the couple engaging in cultural activities and interacting with service members. This visit follows their recent participation in the Invictus Games and an invitation from Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, a Defence spokesman.

This tour has been characterized by observers as an effort by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to establish a presence similar to traditional royal engagements, despite not being official. Royal commentator Tom Bower and author Phil Dampier have expressed concerns regarding the couple’s motivations and the potential diplomatic ramifications of their unofficial status. Critics argue that by selectively undertaking engagements that align with their royal heritage while simultaneously distancing themselves from formal royal duties, Harry and Meghan may be trying to forge a distinct path that keeps them relevant internationally. The visit is being scrutinized as part of the broader narrative surrounding the Sussexes’ ongoing adjustment to their life outside formal royal roles.