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6 months ago
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were mobbed by fans as the Duke of Sussex took part in a sitting volleyball match during their Nigeria tour.
A new Invictus Games highlights reel, released by Team Sussex, shows Harry and Meghan being followed by cameras during their three-day visit as they are met by a large cheering crowd.
The Prince, wearing a black Invictus Games branded polo shirt, denim jeans and light brown shoes, shakes the hands of his teammates as he shuffles into position on the court in front of the net.
Meghan, who turned up in an embroidered £2,275 Joanna Ortiz Tropicana Nights dress, patterned with black and white palm leaves, claps and cheers on as sits and watches intently.
Prince Harry was met by cheering crowds as he took his place on the court during a sitting volleyball match during a tour of Nigeria
A touching moment sees Meghan Markle, who turned up in an embroidered £2,275 Joanna Ortiz Tropicana Nights dress, patterned with black and white palm leaves, chatting to a young girl
The short polished montage is presented to a backdrop of high-octane music and shows the couple being surrounded by excited fans.
The outdoor volleyball match at the Officers Mess was their first official engagement on Saturday and once again the couple were the centre of attention.
Meghan was happy to pose for selfies – at one point being lost amongst the crowd – and some were even reduced to tears after meeting her.
The Sussex Squad – a group of Harry and Meghan fans – were out in force as they cheered the Duke and Duchess on their arrival just before midday.
Aptly named Royalty Ojeh, six, was chosen to present a stem of roses to Meghan who pulled one out of the bunch and handed it back to the awe-struck little girl.
As they arrived there were loud cheers from a group of fans holding up placards reading '43 % Nigerian' in a nod to Meghan's recent admission of her west African heritage.
Others jokingly said 'Harry you owe us dowry' with London based Michela Rituc explaining;' It's traditional for dowry and Meghan is Nigerian so he owes us.
'When she announced her heritage, I already knew it you can just tell from the mother's face and the grandmother's face, definitely eastern Nigerian.
'The features say it all and the whole country melted when she said it, she is our daughter, our daughter and we couldn't be happier.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan at a sitting volleyball exhibition match today in Abuja, Nigeria
Harry hears as he urges on the Invictus athletes - as Meghan looks delighted beside him
Harry's Nigeria Unconquered team ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad with all the players being wounded military personnel
Meghan was left thrilled as she was presented with a painting by her adoring young fans
The Duke was all smiles as he got stuck in and battled hard in front of a delighted audience
'We have always loved Meghan, ever since we saw her in Suits and we are so happy she has come home to visit us.'
As he took to the pitch to join in with Invictus game board member David Wisey, Harry took off a green and white Nigerian scarf he had been given before enthusiastically joining in.
Sitting on the ground he joined the Nigeria Unconquered team for a huddle and motivational high five before getting stuck in.
Many of the players – who included men and women - were amputees and Meghan looked on clapping and cheering as Harry and his team.
But it was the Nigerian Chief of Defence staff team who took the match and there were smiles and hugs all round at the end as Harry and Meghan met the players.
As with the defence headquarters meeting on Friday at times there were chaotic scenes as Meghan was engulfed by excited fans in pop star style scenes.
Harry - who at times appeared concerned - continually cast a vigilant eye towards his wife as their US and American security team tried to keep control.
After the match the couple were ushered into a side room where they had a wardrobe change for a lunch with the Nigerian chief of defence staff Christopher Musa.
Members of the Nigeria Unconquered team can be seen here on the left, dressed in yellow, while players on the Chief of Defence staff squad are seen wearing black
It was Meghan who really sparked mayhem as she turned up in a strip Joanna Ortiz shoulder less dress to beat the 35c heat and humidity
Meghan has earned the love of her hosts - with one group of fans holding up placards reading '43 % Nigerian' in a nod to Meghan's recent admission of her west African heritage
Many of the players – who included men and women - were amputees and Meghan looked on clapping and cheering as Harry and his team. Pictured: Harry and Meghan pose up with their hosts
One adoring fan holds a copy of Harry's memoir spare - maybe she was lucky enough to get it signed by the Prince himself
Harry delighted fans as he took part in the sitting volleyball exhibition match - even if he wasn't able to fend off his opponents' victory
Meghan appeared in close conversation with her hosts as she watched Harry play, wearing a huge grin
In one adorable moment, Meghan exchanged a red rose with one young fan, who shyly met the Duches
The outdoor volleyball match at the Officers Mess was their first official engagement on Saturday and once again the couple were the centre of attention
Harry was seen getting stuck into the sitting volleyball game although in the end his team suffered a narrow defeat
Harry pictured with his Nigeria Unconquered team who ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad
Wearing a shoulder less St Agni full length white dress Meghan drew gasps from onlookers as she walked into the officers mess for the reception.
Harry had a cream linen suit and joked with one guest who was wearing a black tuxedo: 'Love your jacket. I want it.'
After being seated the British and Nigerian national anthems were played with the couple facing a stage decorated with red, white and blue balloons.
Guests at the lunch were able to choose from five different menus including special fried rice, fish fillet sauce and jollof rice.
There was cow offal with offada sauce or if you they were reluctant to try the traditional Nigerian menu they could opt for spaghetti bolognese or grilled chicken.
A dance troupe entertained guests with music and rhythmic drumming with Harry and Meghan tapping and swaying to the beat.
A giant poster on the stage was perhaps not the best choice as it featured a rather stern looking Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
A source close to the couple told MailOnline: 'They are so happy to be in Nigeria and having a great time. Everyone has been so welcoming towards them and they are really feeling the warmth of the people.
'As far as they are concerned it's been a fantastic trip and they couldn't be happier.'
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