Prince Harry and Meghan Markle touched down in Abuja, Nigeria on May 10th for a whirlwind three-day visit.

Their first stop was Lightway Academy, a local school nestled in the heart of the capital.

The couple later made their way to the defense headquarters, but the buzz surrounding their trip was overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of key Nigerian officials.

Despite being in the same city, President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister decided to snub the royal couple.

Their lack of engagement raised eyebrows, as both leaders are well aware of the potential diplomatic implications.

After all, it’s not every day that members of the British royal family visit Nigeria, yet the red carpet was nowhere to be seen.

This decision not to meet Harry and Meghan seems deliberate.

It’s hard to ignore the fact that the couple’s presence might not be viewed as a priority amidst pressing national issues.

The Nigerian leadership clearly recognizes that this could lead to some awkward moments, especially considering President Tinubu’s previous encounter with King Charles at last year’s COP28 climate summit in Dubai.

While the Sussexes are in Nigeria primarily to promote the Invictus Games, royal commentator Kinsey Schofield has suggested that the trip is more about improving their public image than anything else.

She remarked that Harry and Meghan are likely to leverage this opportunity to project a sense of importance that may not align with reality.

Just last week, Meghan was spotted delivering jars of jam to the wealthy elite in Montecito, a stark contrast to her current engagements in West Africa.

The Invictus Games, now in its tenth year, could potentially see Nigeria as a future host country, making the couple’s visit seem like a strategic move to court favor with the nation.

Nigerians are expected to welcome the attention that comes with Harry and Meghan’s presence.

According to Schofield, the local populace will likely celebrate their arrival, viewing it as a significant moment for the country.

However, skepticism lingers about the authenticity of their intentions.

Despite the couple’s claims of a private visit, the unfolding events suggest otherwise.

With each passing hour, it becomes increasingly clear that this trip resembles a royal tour rather than a low-key excursion.

Critics point out that their activities mimic those typically associated with official royal visits, raising questions about their true motives.

Adding another layer to the narrative, Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, clarified that the couple is visiting in a private capacity.

He emphasized that the British High Commission is not involved in organizing or facilitating their program, distancing the UK government from the Sussexes’ agenda.

This declaration serves to reinforce the idea that Harry and Meghan’s trip is not sanctioned by the British monarchy.