Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have spent a whirlwind 72 hours in Nigeria, with the couple attending charity events and meeting with Nigerian soldiers and key figures
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finished their tour of Nigeria, which saw the couple attend a variety of events while flanked by their dedicated aides and armed police officers.
The couple are expected to return to America later today following a whirlwind 72 hours in the African country. During the trip, the pair attended charity events, met with key figures and delivered a number of speeches.
They took precautions to mitigate any security risks by travelling with their own security team, having been given warnings about Nigeria. Here, we’ve taken a look at what went on behind-the-scenes during the trip.
Harry and Meghan travelled as part of a 16-car convoy (
AFP via Getty Images)
Meghan and Harry attended a hotel lunch with some key Nigerian figures on Sunday. When the event was over, Meghan and Harry quickly left hand-in-hand.
“Go, go, go,” one aide screamed to a driver, according to the Daily Mail, as Meghan and Harry made their getaway. The publication reported Meghan and Harry travelling as part of a 16-car convoy as they left the lunch, with the windows of each vehicle blacked out.
Joined by aides
Meghan and Harry were joined by a much smaller team than fans were used to when they travelled to Nigeria. However, they still made sure their trusted aides joined them for the trip.
As the couple made their way to Lagos, they were joined by a group of female aides. Harry and Meghan’s employees opted for casual outfits, wearing shift dresses and Adidas trainers. The aides didn’t walk next to the couple and were instead seen trailing the Sussexes.
Security detail
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry travelled with a big team (
Getty Images for The Archewell F)
When Harry and Meghan arrived in Lagos on Sunday for the final day of their tour, they were joined by armed police officers and secret servicemen who were seen talking into earpieces. They were also followed by special forces soldiers.
The pair also took their own security team to Nigeria following fears over how safe the country is. The US State Department has given Nigeria a Level 3 advisory. This is the second highest risk level and is given out over concerns about crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed gangs.
The US State Department has advised Americans to “reconsider travel” to Nigeria. Harry and Meghan’s security detail was seen in action on Saturday as the Duke of Sussex flew to visit a hospital in Kaduna.
The UK foreign office has guidance online which reads: “FCDO advises against all travel to Kaduna State”. The UK Government’s site also states: “Banditry and violent attacks are frequent and there is a high threat of kidnap. Incidents of intercommunal violence occur and trains are vulnerable to attack. If you’re travelling in the north-west against FCDO advice, be extremely cautious and monitor local media.”
Harry is said to have had a four-strong security detail in tow as he visited the hospital. Here, he met with injured Nigerian soldiers.