Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, made a heartwarming choice for her outfit during a special reception in Lagos, Nigeria. She wore the same vibrant yellow Carolina Herrera dress that she had previously donned for her son Archie’s first birthday in 2020. The meaningful gown, which costs $3,990 and was tailor-made for Meghan while she was pregnant with Archie, also featured in her pregnancy announcement with her daughter, Lilibet. This choice of attire added a sentimental touch to the visit, as it coincided with Mother’s Day and with Archie recently celebrating his fifth birthday just days before.
The reception, held at the State Governor House on May 12, saw Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, engaging with key figures, including the Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR. Upon their arrival, Meghan was warmly gifted a shawl by the governor’s wife, symbolizing the hospitality and cultural richness of their hosts. The couple’s discussions during the visit centered on significant issues such as mental health, the Invictus Games, and their overall impressions of Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu shared insights from the visit, emphasizing the diversity and vastness of Nigeria and the importance of living together in peace and harmony. He extended an invitation to the royal couple to return, highlighting the deep connections being forged. The visit holds particular significance for Meghan, following her recent discovery of her Nigerian heritage through a genealogy test in 2022. This personal connection adds a profound depth to her engagement with the country and its people.
During their trip, Meghan and Harry also visited the Lightway Academy in Abuja, where Meghan addressed the GEANCO Foundation’s inaugural mental health summit. She shared a touching message with the schoolchildren, expressing, “I see myself in all of you.” This message not only resonated with the young attendees but also highlighted her commitment to mental health advocacy and her embrace of her Nigerian roots. The visit to Nigeria showcased Meghan’s dedication to important causes and her deepening connection with her heritage.
Ending their journey in Lagos mirrored a historic visit by Prince Harry’s parents, King Charles and Princess Diana, who made an official state visit in 1990. Just as his parents did, Harry continues to champion important causes on the global stage, emphasizing the role of sports in healing and uniting people, particularly veterans and their families. The visit to Nigeria demonstrated Meghan and Harry’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact and building bridges across cultures and communities.