A Royal commentator has shared insights that despite possible concerns held by the Royal Family, they may lack the authority to prevent Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from conducting more unofficial overseas trips. However, they can still create administrative obstacles.
This discussion follows the recent visit of the Sussexes to Nigeria, which was akin to a comprehensive Royal tour, packed with school visits, military parade inspections, and initiatives promoting the Invictus Games.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, persistently engage in such activities, regardless of their formal withdrawal from Royal duties last year and subsequent move to the United States. The pair have turned their focus to private ventures, which include the forthcoming memoir by Prince Harry titled ‘Spare’, and have ventured into television with their exclusive Netflix series.
Tom Sykes, a renowned Royal commentator, provided his thoughts on the situation: “In Nigeria, wherever they went, they were welcomed as royalty. While the Royal Family cannot prevent them from conducting further tours, the government may consider leveraging significant diplomatic pressure on friendly nations to refuse hosting these semi-royal tours.”
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Muse, extended an invitation to Harry and Meghan, in the hope of securing Nigeria as a future venue for the Invictus Games. The couple was warmly welcomed by the Nigerians during their visit as they interacted extensively with the local population.
Critics have speculated that the international tours of Harry and Meghan are chiefly intended for the promotion of their personal projects. This contrasts with conventional Royal tours, typically ceremonial and designed to foster international relations.
The visit by Harry and Meghan to Nigeria was so successful that it has piqued the curiosity of officials from Ghana for a comparable visit.
A source shared with The Mirror, “Excitement and chatter are already brewing in Ghana; everyone is enthusiastic for a visit from Harry and Meghan to experience our rich culture and hospitality. Numerous high-profile personalities have visited Ghana in recent years, from Ed Sheeran, Naomi Campbell, to One Direction’s Liam Payne. Idris Elba, who DJ’d at Harry and Meghan’s wedding, is a regular visitor too. He’s part-Ghanaian and loves spending time ‘back home’.”
