The recent three-day trip to Nigeria by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has sparked controversy and divided opinions among royal experts and commentators. While some see the visit as a genuine philanthropic effort to promote the Invictus Games and raise awareness about mental health, others have labeled it a hypocritical PR stunt designed to boost the Sussex brand.
According to royal expert and author Tom Quinn, Meghan Markle has never regretted her decision to step back from being a working royal. In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Quinn stated, "Harry's mental health has suffered as a result of the break with his family, but Meghan never doubts her decision to stop being a full-time working royal." He added that Meghan, being tougher than Harry, "relishes the battle and feels that, having been badly treated when she was in England, she has had her revenge."
The couple's Nigeria trip, which bore striking resemblances to an official royal tour, has reportedly angered members of the royal family, particularly Prince William. Royal author Tom Quinn told The Mirror, "William is absolutely furious and determined to find a way to stop this happening in future. Charles is said to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him." The fact that the Nigerians treated Meghan and Harry as if they were on an official tour, with dances, receptions, and visits to schools and charities, has "really upset the applecart," according to Quinn.
However, not everyone sees the Sussex's Nigeria visit in a positive light. Some commentators have labeled the trip a hypocritical abomination, riddled with vanity-driven virtue signaling. The financial cost of the visit, which the average impoverished Nigerian can ill afford, has also been called into question. Nearly 90 million Nigerians live below the "abject" poverty line, making the cost of the Sussex's visit a potentially bitter pill to swallow.
The trip's timing has also raised eyebrows, as it coincided with the couple's Archewell Foundation being momentarily declared delinquent in the state of California and "not in good standing." Although the issue has since been resolved, it has added fuel to the fire for those who view the Sussex's actions as self-serving.
Despite the criticism, the Sussexes appear undeterred in their plans for future trips. In a message thanking the people of Nigeria following their return home, they described the visit as "the first of many trips," suggesting that similar ventures are on the horizon.
The reception of the Sussex's Nigeria trip has been largely dependent on one's stance regarding the couple. Supporters view the visit as a sincere effort to make a positive impact, while detractors see it as a carefully orchestrated PR stunt designed to promote the Sussex brand at the expense of the British monarchy and the Nigerian people.
As the dust settles on this latest chapter in the Sussex saga, it remains to be seen how the royal family will respond to what some perceive as a direct challenge to their authority. The question of whether Harry and Meghan's actions are driven by a genuine desire to make a difference or a calculated move to boost their own profile continues to divide opinion.
The success or failure of the Sussex's Nigeria trip, and any future endeavors, will likely be judged through the lens of personal opinion. As the couple continues to navigate their post-royal life, their actions will undoubtedly remain under intense scrutiny, with every move dissected and debated by a polarized public.
