Prince Harry has spoken out for the first time in Nigeria, after a bit of an awkward situation back in the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have been spotted in Nigeria for the first time, and Harry shared some heartfelt words about mental health.
Prince Harry’s Speech in Nigeria
Addressing the audience, Harry said, “In many parts of the world, more than you might think, there’s a stigma surrounding mental health. Too many people avoid talking about it because it’s something we can’t see, it’s in our minds.
“But here’s the thing, every single person in this room, whether young or old, has mental health. So, it’s important to take care of yourself so you can help others, and others need to take care of themselves to support you. That’s how it works.”
He continued, “There’s no shame in admitting that today is a tough day. Alright? If you woke up feeling down this morning, if school was stressing you out, if you’ve lost someone close to you and you’re feeling alone, all these things might seem like they shouldn’t be talked about. But we’re here to tell you, that’s not true.
“Every one of those feelings is completely normal. It’s a human response, whether it’s grief, stress, or any other emotion, it comes from experiences you’ve had.”
The couple landed in Abuja on Friday morning after Harry’s short solo trip to the UK.
Meghan flew in from Los Angeles on Thursday, and she was seen waiting for Harry in the airport’s VIP Windsor Suite.
Upon arriving in Abuja, Nigerian officials welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The same security team that accompanied Harry to the UK was with them. The first pictures of the couple have emerged since their arrival.
Meghan and Harry arrived in Nigeria earlier in the day and went straight to visit children at the Lights Academy in Abuja.
It’s their first visit to the country, and it comes after Meghan discovered she has Nigerian ancestry.
Harry and Meghan’s schedule in Nigeria
During their 72-hour whirlwind tour, the couple will meet with wounded soldiers and their families to show support and boost morale.
They’ll also attend volleyball and basketball games and meet with NGOs in Lagos and Abuja.
Meghan will co-host an event on women in leadership with the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.