Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spent a whirlwind 72 hours in Nigeria – some saw the trip as a success while others criticised it as being an “unofficial royal tour”.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spent a whirlwind 72 hours in Nigeria. (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s whirlwind tour of Nigeria has sparked some controversy, with claims that it has ruffled feathers within the Royal Family.

Others have branded the trip an “incredible success”. Either way, the 72-hour whistlestop tour grabbed headlines with some branding it an “unofficial royal tour”.

With Meghan Markle and Prince Harry home in the US, here’s a look at the Nigeria tour’s most memorable moments…

Meghan Markle changed to colourful clothes after arriving in Nigeria. (Image: Getty)

Royal Family irritation

Harry and Meghan’s Nigerian adventure, dubbed an unofficial Royal tour, has reportedly displeased King Charles and Prince William, an expert has claimed.

Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: “The King and Prince William are firmly of the belief that you are either in or out of the working Royals.

“This seems to be a rather strange halfway house. I think both the King and the Prince, and indeed the Government will want it to be made clear that Harry is not representing either the Royal Family or Britain on this trip.”

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has clarified that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Nigeria is not on behalf of the UK. He stated: “It’s great that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defence Headquarters. But they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one.”

In conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria, Richard further emphasised: “So, the British High Commission is not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme. They are not representing the work of His Majesty’s Government on this visit.”

Meghan’s wardrobe change

During her time in Nigeria, Meghan co-hosted a panel on Women in Leadership, where she confessed to altering her wardrobe to better blend in with the local style.

At the event, Meghan dazzled in a red maxi dress designed by Nigerian designer Orire, which was both “ethically” made and affordable, costing under £230. She shared that her choice to wear the vibrant dress was a spontaneous decision to match the colourful fashion scene in Nigeria.

Meghan said: “It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colour so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion.”

Meghan’s late arrival

Despite leaving Prince Harry behind to attend the Women in Leadership event, Meghan made a late entrance, arriving an hour behind schedule. Nevertheless, her fervent address appeared to compensate for the delay.

She expressed her gratitude, stating: “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… my country. I am just flattered and honoured and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Nigeria. (Image: Getty)

Safety concerns?

Prince Harry reportedly left Meghan in Abuja while he visited a hospital in Kaduna, an area the UK government deems “unsafe”. According to reports, the Duke of Sussex journeyed 120 miles to the hospital on Saturday.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns on its website: “FCDO advises against all travel to Kaduna State”.

The official guidance from the UK Government further cautions: “Banditry and violent attacks are frequent and there is a high threat of kidnap. Incidents of intercommunal violence occur and trains are vulnerable to attack. If you’re travelling in the north-west against FCDO advice, be extremely cautious and monitor local media.”

Accompanied by a security team of four, Harry visited the hospital to meet with Nigerian soldiers who have been injured in the conflict with Boko Haram, many of whom have fallen victim to ambushes or explosive devices.

Meghan’s Mother’s Day heartbreak

Meghan Markle experienced a poignant moment as she was unable to celebrate Mother’s Day with her little ones, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Despite the UK marking Mother’s Day earlier in the year, the US observes it on the second Sunday of May, coinciding with Harry and Meghan’s visit to Nigeria.

It is understood that while the couple are away, their children are being cared for by Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. The Duchess has openly expressed her joy about motherhood during the trip.

At a panel on women’s leadership, Meghan shared: “Being a mom has always been a dream of mine and I’m so fortunate that we have two beautiful, healthy, very chatty, sweet children. I love being a mom.”

Meghan Markle’s low-key UK return

In a twist of Royal fate, Meghan made a low-key return to the UK but did not accompany Harry to the Invictus Games’ 10th-anniversary celebrations at St Paul’s Cathedral. Instead, she joined him in London at the exclusive Windsor Suite at Heathrow Airport before they set off for Africa.

During her brief stint in Britain, Meghan didn’t have any contact with the Royal Family. Similarly, Prince Harry appeared to receive a cold shoulder from The Firm, who was noticeably absent from his thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral.