The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) in Nigeria has announced an upcoming visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, to Nigeria. May 8th 2024, will see Harry attending the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, soon after he joins Meghan in Nigeria. This visit will highlight the royal couple’s commitment to the Invictus Games, an international sporting event founded by Prince Harry for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with Team Nigeria at the 2023 Invictus Games

Meghan Markle’s Personal Connection

The upcoming visit is especially meaningful for Meghan, who learned she is 43 percent Nigerian through a genealogy test. She first discussed this discovery on her podcast Archetypes while addressing the “Angry Black Woman” stereotype, revealing her Nigerian roots to her listeners. At the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, Prince Harry also highlighted Meghan’s Nigerian ancestry. Also at this event, in a heartfelt gesture of acceptance, the Nigerian team honored Meghan with the Nigerian names Amira Ngozi Lolo.

Now I’m not saying we play favourites in our home… but since my wife discovered that she is of Nigerian descent, it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year.

Prince Harry

Strengthening Ties and Promoting Rehabilitation Through Sports

The Invictus Games have seen about 500 participants from 21 nations, including Nigeria, which celebrated its first-time participation with notable success, clinching gold and silver medals. The royal couple’s visit aims to enhance Nigeria’s involvement in the Games and explore the possibility of Nigeria hosting future events. Brig Gen Tukur Vusau, Acting Director of Defence Information, emphasized that the visit aims to consolidate Nigeria’s strong performance and involvement in the Games.

Looking Ahead: Anticipation for a Historic Visit

Founded by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games have grown immensely in both scope and importance, largely due to his commitment and the collaborative support of his wife, Meghan. Through their joint efforts, these games have evolved into a significant international event that promotes rehabilitation and celebrates the spirit of service members and veterans worldwide. The royal couple’s visit to Nigeria in May promises to be a milestone event, celebrating resilience, heritage, and the unifying power of sport.

This visit isn’t just about their royal status—it’s about their active engagement with communities, evidenced by the Archewell Foundation’s recent partnerships. Last year, the foundation teamed up with GEANCO to provide school supplies to girls across Nigeria and supported charities aiding the regions impacted by the floods in October 2022. We eagerly anticipate the outcomes and opportunities that the upcoming trip will bring.


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