The situation came to light following a report by Hello magazine, indicating that Meghan would not be attending the Giano Foundation's event due to the fallout from the Sussexes' announcement. In the past, Meghan and Harry's Foundation, Archewell, had expressed its support for young people in Nigeria, particularly in facilitating their return to school. They emphasized their commitment to girls' health and education in Nigeria by providing menstruation products and school materials to young students, as detailed in a statement on the Archewell website.
However, it's worth noting that the statement did not specify the monetary value of Meghan and Harry's contribution, and there is no concrete evidence to support their claims of a substantial donation. This lack of transparency raised doubts about the legitimacy of their charitable efforts, especially when the Janko Foundation's website made no mention of any contribution from the royal couple or Archewell.
On September 29th, the Giano Foundation is set to host the Hollywood Gala, featuring various events like a red carpet reception, African-inspired appetizers, Nigerian music, silent auctions, celebrity appearances, and more. Notably, despite their previous expressions of support, Meghan and Harry have not received invitations to this event.
The list of supporters published on the Giano Foundation's website includes prominent names like Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, Google, and Netflix, among others. However, the absence of Meghan, Harry, and even Archewell from this list has raised questions about the credibility of their stated charitable actions.
These developments have sparked criticism on social media, with some users expressing skepticism about the authenticity of Meghan and Harry's involvement in charity work. While Meghan and Harry had publicly announced their support for girls' education and health in Nigeria, there are lingering doubts about the actual extent of their contributions, given their notable absence from the list of supporters on the Janko Foundation's website.
Furthermore, it's worth noting that Meghan's connection to Nigeria has gained attention recently. She has expressed a desire to visit the country, especially after discovering her Nigerian heritage. Meghan's ties to Nigeria appeared to strengthen significantly during the Games, which celebrate wounded and disabled military veterans. Prince Harry announced at the opening ceremony that Meghan would be supporting the African team due to her genealogy test revealing her Nigerian heritage.
During the Games, Meghan hugged a competitor, referring to her as "my Nigerian sister," and was introduced to other team members. The defense chief gave her the nickname "Amiri Nozi," which translates to "Blessed Royal Wife" and "Warrior Princess" in a legend. Meghan and Harry participated in a group huddle led by a Nigerian athlete in a chant of "gbas," which roughly translates to "Kudos."
In light of these developments, Meghan has expressed her eagerness to visit Nigeria and other African countries, demonstrating a deeper connection to her heritage and a genuine interest in engaging with the local culture and communities.
