After engagements at a school and meetings at Nigeria's defense headquarters, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle proceeded to Katuna state, where they were warmly greeted by Governor Uani and other government officials. During their visit, Governor Sani presented Prince Harry with a framed portrait of Princess Diana holding him as a child, along with another portrait of him and Meghan on their wedding day, as well as other gifts. These heartfelt gestures sparked humorous remarks on social media, with some jokingly suggesting that Prince Harry now resembles Nigerian royalty.
While some lightheartedly claimed that Prince Harry had been "adopted" by Nigeria, others pointed out the cultural context of the picture, highlighting that it was simply part of a traditional ceremony where Prince Harry was dressed in Nigerian attire called "agbada." However, educated Nigerians seem less swayed by the couple's visit. In a YouTube video, Donu Kmara, a cousin of the Nigerian King, expressed her unfavorable thoughts about Prince Harry and Meghan. She criticized their actions, stating, "I can't believe what I'm hearing, but I guess I have to because it's all over the Nigerian newspapers and even some foreign ones."
Donu Kmara further explained her reservations, stating that she personally did not see the value in monarchy, be it in Europe or Nigeria, and that she was not a fan of royalty. She also expressed concerns about Prince Harry and Meghan, suggesting that Megan may have exaggerated some of the issues she faced within the British Royal Family and media. Additionally, Kmara found fault with the couple publicly criticizing their own family, even during Prince Harry's grandfather's serious illness, viewing it as disrespectful. She also mentioned the treatment of Megan's father, which she deemed as disrespectful.
Increasingly, Nigerians are voicing their dissent and disdain towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Contrary to their PR efforts, this visit seems to be tarnishing their image rather than enhancing it. Many perceive them as opportunistic, exploiting people of color for their own image and standing for nothing but their own interests. These sentiments are leading to growing grievances and a sense of disappointment among Nigerians.
