HARRY, MEGHAN ARRIVES NIGERIA, AMIDST WARM WELCOME

 

Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on a meaningful journey to Nigeria after receiving a gracious invitation from the country's Chief of Defence Staff. Touching down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on a crisp Friday morning, the couple's arrival was captured in a flurry of excitement and anticipation.

This visit, while not under the official capacity of representing the United Kingdom or King Charles, holds significant personal and philanthropic importance for Harry and Meghan. As they've transitioned away from their roles as working royals, their engagements now stem from their own passions and commitments to various causes. In this instance, the focus is on highlighting the Invictus Games, a cause close to Harry's heart.

Their itinerary is packed with meaningful engagements aimed at fostering connections and shining a light on important initiatives. From visiting a local school to meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, Harry and Meghan are fully immersed in the fabric of Nigerian society. Harry's visit to a military hospital underscores his unwavering support for injured service members, a cause he has championed through the Invictus Games.

The trip extends over the weekend, where the couple's schedule remains brimming with purposeful events. They'll participate in a training session for Nigeria: Unconquered, showcasing their dedication to empowering communities. Meghan takes center stage at a Women in Leadership event, partnering with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a prominent figure in global leadership and the Director General of the World Trade Organization.

But it's not all work and no play for the Duke and Duchess. They'll also engage in activities that celebrate Nigerian culture and sports, such as attending a basketball clinic with Giants of Africa and a polo fundraiser for Nigeria: Unconquered. These moments of leisure provide opportunities for the couple to connect with locals and immerse themselves in the vibrancy of Nigerian life.

Throughout their stay, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are accompanied by PEOPLE's chief foreign correspondent, Simon Perry, who provides exclusive coverage of their journey, ensuring that their message of unity and support resonates far beyond the borders of Nigeria.