Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wrap up Nigeria tour in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria - Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, wrapped up their three-day visit to Nigeria on Sunday, arriving in the country's economic capital, Lagos, during a trip to promote his Invictus Games for wounded military veterans.

Prince Harry (l.) and Meghan Markle wrapped up their three-day visit to Nigeria on Sunday, arriving in the country's economic capital, Lagos.
Prince Harry (l.) and Meghan Markle wrapped up their three-day visit to Nigeria on Sunday, arriving in the country's economic capital, Lagos.  © Kola SULAIMON / AFP

The Duke of Sussex arrived with his wife on Friday in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, where they visited a school event on mental health, in a trip that also saw the prince meet wounded Nigerian soldiers in the country's northwest.

On day three of the visit, Prince Harry and Meghan took part in a basketball event with the Giants of Africa Foundation in Lagos, an organization that helps youth through engagement in the sport.

The prince practiced dribbling basketballs with children at the exhibition event for the foundation, which is run by former NBA player Masai Ujiri.

"The power of sports can change lives, it brings people together and creates community, and there are no barriers, which is the most important thing," the prince said.

Harry, a former army captain who flew helicopters in Afghanistan, founded the Invictus Games 10 years ago to help bring wounded veterans into sporting events to aid with their recuperation.

The couple later met with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and were also set to take part in a Lagos fundraiser.

"He has seen a lot and is still soaking in a whole lot," the governor said of the prince's experience of Nigeria.

Meghan Markle reflects on Nigerian heritage

Prince Harry (far r.) and Meghan Markle (center r.) visited Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games, which were founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014.
Prince Harry (far r.) and Meghan Markle (center r.) visited Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games, which were founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014.  © Kola SULAIMON / AFP

On Friday afternoon, Meghan sat on an event for women in leadership with Nigerian-born World Trade Organization director Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, where the Duchess discussed her Nigerian heritage and being a role model to women.

"I want to start by saying thank you very much for just how gracious you've all been in welcoming my husband and I to this country," she said to applause before adding, "My country."

"It's been really eye-opening and humbling to be able to know more about my heritage and to be able to know, this is just the beginning of that discovery."

In Abuja, the prince had also taken part in a seated volleyball match with Nigerian veterans, some of whom were missing limbs from combat in the country's north, where troops battle jihadists and heavily armed criminal gangs.

On the Duke's volleyball team was former Nigerian soldier Peacemaker Azuegbulam, who lost his leg in combat in the northeast and became the first African to win gold at the Invictus Games in Germany last year.

Before Nigeria, Prince Harry was in London on Wednesday to mark the 10th anniversary of the games.

His trips to the UK since he moved to the United States in 2020 always prompt fresh speculation over a potential reconciliation with his family. But he did not meet with his father, King Charles, nor his brother, Prince William, on this trip.

Cover photo: Kola SULAIMON / AFP

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