Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s ‘faux royal tours’ – like the one they did in Nigeria – could deepen the ongoing royal rift, it has been claimed by a public relations guru

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s “faux royal tours” have the potential to “deepen the ongoing royal rift”, according to an expert.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on a royal tour in all but name earlier this month. The couple jetted to Nigeria for a 72-hour whistle-stop tour, which came amid the 10th anniversary celebrations for the Invictus Games and after Meghan discovered her West African heritage.

Following the success of their Nigerian trip, it seems that the Sussexes are keen to embark on another similar tour of a different country. A source recently told us that Ghana is in the Sussexes’ sights, revealing: “There is already a lot of talk and excitement in Ghana, everyone is so keen for Harry and Meghan to come and experience the great culture and warmth.”

The Sussexes stepped down from their senior roles in 2020
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, public relations guru Lynn Carratt from Press Box PR said: “These faux-Royal tours could deepen their rift with the Royal Family, if not handled correctly. Their Nigerian tour bared all that hallmarks of a Royal Tour which was said to [have] infuriated the palace.”

Ms Carratt noted that she believes if tours like this are related to their independent work like the Invictus Games, “then these tours are good for the PR of their brand”. She went on: “I don’t believe the Nigerian tour helped to increase their popularity in the UK and USA, but it did showcase to the African nations the work that to couple can do and will certainly have increased their popularity there.”

Elsewhere, Ms Carratt touched on how Gharnians are keen for Harry and Meghan to visit and experience the great culture and warmth, but she warned: “A visit to Ghana to make sense for then, there need a reason.

“Since Ghana is not participating in the Invictus Games and Meghan does not have Ghanaian heritage, for their visit to Ghana to be successful, they would need to have a specific project, like an Archewell project or partnership that they want to showcase in the country and encourage people to get involved in. It can’t just be an unofficial royal tour for the sake of it,” she concluded.