Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Nigeria Visit: Boosting Popularity or Royal Hypocrisy?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have embarked on a three-day visit to Nigeria, highlighting the Invictus Games and their philanthropic efforts. However, their decision to bring a People magazine correspondent along has raised questions about their motives and the authenticity of their message.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived in Nigeria for a three-day visit aimed at bolstering their popularity and showcasing their philanthropic work. However, their decision to bring along a People magazine correspondent has raised eyebrows, with some questioning the sincerity of their motives.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been invited to Nigeria by the country's highest-ranking military official, the Chief of Defense Staff. This is the couple's first time visiting the country, and they have a packed schedule that includes meetings with dignitaries, military personnel, and wounded veterans.

Harry, 39, is a co-founder of the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style event for wounded veterans. The games will be held in Nigeria for the first time in September 2023, and Harry's visit is aimed at promoting the event and raising awareness of the challenges faced by veterans.

Markle, 42, is a former American actress who became the Duchess of Sussex when she married Harry in 2018. She has recently spoken out about her Nigerian heritage and is expected to focus on women's empowerment and leadership during her visit.

The couple's decision to bring along Simon Perry, People magazine's chief foreign correspondent, has been met with skepticism by some royal watchers. Perry has been a vocal critic of Harry's older brother, Prince William, and his wife, Kate Middleton.

"It's not surprising that Harry and Meghan would choose a sympathetic journalist to cover their trip," said Hilary Fordwich, a British royal expert. "Perry is known for his negative views of William and Catherine, so he's likely to put a positive spin on Harry and Meghan's visit."

Fordwich also questioned the timing of the trip, given that Kate Middleton is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. "It's a bit tone-deaf for Harry and Meghan to be embarking on a high-profile tour while William and Catherine are facing such a difficult time," she said.

Doug Eldridge, an agent and celebrity branding expert, believes that the visit could help to reshape the public perception of Harry and Meghan, who have faced criticism for their decision to step back as senior royals in 2020.

"This trip shows that Harry and Meghan are committed to their philanthropic work," Eldridge said. "They're focusing on veterans and African interests, which are both popular causes. It's a smart move on their part."

Eldridge also noted that Markle's focus on her Nigerian heritage could help to connect her with the African diaspora. "This is an opportunity for Meghan to learn more about her roots and to show her support for the African community," he said.

Overall, the visit to Nigeria is a strategic move by Harry and Meghan to boost their popularity and showcase their philanthropic work. However, the timing of the trip and the decision to bring along a sympathetic journalist could raise questions about their motives and the authenticity of their message.