Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: The Royal Couple’s Controversial Nigerian Tour

In a surprising twist, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are gearing up for their first unofficial royal tour to Nigeria, raising eyebrows among royal watchers.

This venture has sparked accusations that the couple is attempting to carve out their own niche in the royal landscape, with some suggesting they want to have their cake and eat it too.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been invited by Nigeria's chief of defense staff to engage in cultural activities and connect with service members during this visit scheduled for May.

However, it's crucial to note that this isn't an official royal visit.

Experts have pointed out that Harry, as a member of the royal family without any formal standing, is simply making a personal trip.

Royal commentators have weighed in, arguing that the couple appears to be leveraging their royal connections for financial gain while simultaneously distancing themselves from their former roles as official representatives of the Crown.

Brigadier General Tuku Gossow expressed his excitement over the couple's acceptance of the invitation, recalling Harry's presence at last year's Invictus Games.

This upcoming trip to Nigeria will occur just days after Harry's return to the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, where he will attend a service at St. Paul's Cathedral.

Notably, no senior royals are expected to accompany him, and Meghan is not anticipated to join him in the UK.

Critics quickly pointed out that the couple's visit could blur the lines of royal diplomacy.

There are concerns that if Harry and Meghan continue to use their HRH titles, it might create confusion regarding the nature of their visit.

Some royal experts argue that King Charles has failed to address this issue, allowing his son and daughter-in-law to operate under titles that they no longer hold.

A spokesperson for the couple confirmed to the Daily Times Nigeria that the defense headquarters expressed its delight at the Duke and Duchess' acceptance of the invitation.

However, it's important to clarify that Harry and Meghan can no longer use their HRH titles; they are simply the Duke and Duchess of Sussex now.

This distinction is significant, as it raises questions about how they will be treated upon their arrival in Nigeria.

There are concerns that the couple may be welcomed as dignitaries, despite lacking the official status that would typically warrant such treatment.

Critics describe them as “cosplay royals,” suggesting that they are using their former titles to pursue personal business interests rather than fulfilling royal duties.

This perception has further fueled the debate about the appropriateness of their visit.

Another layer of complexity arises from the potential misinformation in the press release, which referred to them as the Duke and Duchess.

This misrepresentation could understandably frustrate the couple, given that it contradicts their current status.

As the date of the trip approaches, many wonder how this will unfold, especially in a country that has long moved past its colonial past.

The trip is expected to be fraught with challenges, as it lacks the organizational support typically provided by palace staff.

Observers speculate that this lack of preparation might lead to awkward situations, particularly for Meghan, who has previously faced criticism for her fashion choices and interactions during similar events.

As Nigeria is no longer a British colony, the citizens are free to invite whom they choose, leading to questions about the couple's relevance in this context.