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Meghan and Prince Harry delight locals on their 'quasi-royal' visit to Nigeria - as royal plays sitting volleyball while his wife is all smiles

6 months ago 31

By Iwan Stone

Published: 12:50 BST, 11 May 2024 | Updated: 12:57 BST, 11 May 2024

Meghan mania continued in Nigeria as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a sitting volleyball match and were mobbed by fans.

The visit – which has become a royal tour in all but name – is part of Harry’s Invictus Game project and he delighted onlookers when he took part in a game.

However unfortunately his Nigeria Unconquered team ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad with all the players being wounded military personnel.

But 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.

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.

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 

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan at a sitting volleyball exhibition match today in Abuja, Nigeria

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

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

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

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

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


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.

‘We have always loved Meghan, ever wince 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.

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