The preparations for the official visit of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Nigeria are in their final stage.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to arrive in the African country this Friday, May 10, where a full schedule of activities awaits them over three days.
This trip comes after the Prince’s recent visit to England, where he attended a Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 8, marking the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games.
During his visit to London, Prince Harry took time to celebrate a decade of the Invictus Games, a sporting event that he himself founded to support wounded and sick war veterans, as well as active members of the armed forces.
It is worth mentioning that while Prince Harry was commemorating this milestone at the Cathedral, his father, King Charles, was a short distance away, at Buckingham Palace, presiding over a reception in the palace gardens.
Despite the proximity, there was no meeting between father and son during the Prince’s stay in the capital, which was attributed to the monarch’s busy schedule.
Prince Harry and Meghan in Nigeria
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have planned a trip full of activities in Nigeria, as detailed by People magazine.
They will begin their visit with a tour of a local educational institution, followed by an important meeting with the Chief of Defense Staff.
Later, Prince Harry will dedicate his time to wounded soldiers, visiting them in a specialized hospital.
On Saturday, the royal couple’s agenda includes their participation in a training session for the “Nigeria: Undefeated” initiative, and later, they will attend a reception in honor of military families, organized by the Chief of Defense Staff.
That same afternoon, Meghan will co-host an event focused on female empowerment in leadership alongside Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
On Sunday, their activities will focus on sports and culture: they will participate in a basketball clinic with the Giants of Africa organization, enjoy a cultural reception, and conclude with a polo tournament aimed at raising funds for Nigeria: Unconquered.
The visit will also serve to highlight the importance of the Invictus Games.
Nigeria, which participated for the first time in the most recent edition of the games in Germany, seeks to continue its role in this inspiring event.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defense, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, who was present at the games, has expressed his interest and commitment for Nigeria to host future editions of the Invictus Games, thus reaffirming the country’s support for the rehabilitation and well-being of its military heroes.