Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's Nigeria Trip Allegedly Made King Charles & Prince William 'Furious'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to Nigeria has allegedly left King Charles III and Prince William "absolutely furious."

The couple's tour of the African nation seemingly mirrored official royal visits, raising eyebrows among royal experts. Meghan's wardrobe choices also subtly referenced the couple's ties to the royal family.

According to royal expert Tom Quinn, Harry and Meghan's recent visit to Nigeria has been interpreted by some as a "bold statement that they refuse to accept they are no longer working royals."

Speaking to The Mirror, Quinn suggested that Harry and Meghan's 72-hour trip left the King and the Prince of Wales feeling "absolutely furious" as it sent a clear message to the royal family that they are still very much engaged in royal duties.

Quinn noted that the visit encompassed all the elements typical of official royal engagements, stating: "Everything you might expect from an official royal visit was there – the receptions, the visits to schools and charities, to wounded soldiers and the disabled."

"Meghan and Harry's speeches and their whole attitude have been designed to give the impression that they are still fully paid-up royals and William and his father King Charles don't like it one bit," he added.

Quinn noted that the Duke and Duchess have "gone rogue," and their actions might be perceived as an attempt to "pull a fast one."

He explained that it seems the couple is saying, "We don't need your permission to be working royals—we will do it on our own terms whenever and wherever we like."

Harry and Meghan's visit to Nigeria unfolded on their terms, initiated by an invitation from the nation's Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Gwabin Musa, for a three-day engagement.

Sources from the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office also clarified to the DailyMail that the visit was conducted in a "private capacity," with no involvement from the UK Government in organizing or "facilitating their programme."

However, according to Royal expert Michael Cole, Harry and Meghan's trip echoed elements of official foreign visits by active royal members despite them stepping back as senior royals in 2020.

Cole noted to the publication that although the couple were on "a private visit by two royal personages," they "exploited their royal status to the very limit and in every way, trying to give the impression that it was the real thing."

He added that while their trip was not "proposed by Buckingham Palace and sanctioned by the British government" and was not an "official visit or a royal tour," their actions during the visit conveyed a sense of officiality to "such an extent that they will return to California well satisfied with their three days in Nigeria."

However, royal commentator Charlotte Wace told The Times that despite Harry and Meghan's Nigerian trip's similarities to their previous tours as working royals, there were notable distinctions.

"The press pack had been replaced by one reporter and one photographer. Most significantly they were representing themselves rather than the monarch and were free to choose their schedule," she noted. "There appeared to be fewer formalities and more selfies compared with trips from the past."

Additionally, Meghan's fashion choices garnered attention, particularly her selection of an eye-catching backless dress by US designer Heidi Merrick, aptly named "The Windsor," which drew subtle nods to their royal connections.

During their visit to Nigeria, Harry and Meghan engaged themselves in various activities, including attending a polo club and visiting injured soldiers at a military hospital.

In a recent interview with People Magazine, Meghan described the tour as "really meaningful," emphasizing the significance of such trips in enabling them to focus "on the things that mean so much to us."

Harry echoed her sentiments, adding, "You know what Africa means to me over the years. It is a very, very special place, and to be able to include Nigeria now, I'm very happy."

Sources close to the Sussexes also emphasized that the tour was not intended to draw attention to any perceived gaps in the Royal Family's workload.

On day two of the Sussexes' visit to Nigeria, Meghan joined several leading Nigerian women to discuss the importance of female leadership and empowerment in driving positive change globally.

During the chat, the Duchess expressed gratitude for the "overwhelming" welcome she has received since landing in the country and opened up about her emotional journey to discover her Nigerian roots.

"I am just flattered, honored, and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more color so I can fit in with all of you and your incredible fashion!" Meghan told the crowd, per People.

"I am very overwhelmed. So I want to start by saying thank you very much for just how gracious you've all been in welcoming my husband and I to this country," she continued, pausing briefly to the applause before adding, "My country."