Who is Prince Harry, the Royal prince on a visit to Nigeria?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Nigeria on Friday, commencing a three-day personal trip to the West African nation.
Their itinerary includes meetings with injured soldiers and visits to charitable organizations, according to officials. Air Vice-Marshal Abidemi Marquis, the director of sports for the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, mentioned during a press briefing that Nigeria is now a part of the Invictus community, prompting the royal visit.
Their inaugural activity was a gathering held at a school in Abuja, where Meghan expressed solidarity with the students, stating, “I see reflections of myself in all of you.”
Who’s Prince Harry?
Prince Harry, officially known as Henry Charles Albert David, was born on September 15, 1984, in London, as the second son of then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
He entered a world of royal privilege but also media scrutiny, with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, reigning at the time.
Diana, determined to provide a normal upbringing, ensured Harry and his brother William experienced life beyond palace walls. They frequented amusement parks, fast-food joints, and other typical childhood spots.
Despite his parents’ strained marriage, Harry exuded a happy-go-lucky demeanor.
Starting school wasn’t easy for Harry, as documented by photographers capturing his first day in September 1987. Yet, he flourished, attending Wetherby School and later Ludgrove School alongside William.
The family’s separation in 1992, followed by divorce in 1996, marked a tumultuous period, but Harry found solace in outdoor activities and charity work with both parents.
Harry’s Military Life
In 2005, Harry embarked on a military career, enrolling at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and joining the Household Cavalry. His dedication to service led him to Afghanistan in 2008 and again in 2012, this time as an Apache helicopter pilot.
Throughout, he remained committed to charitable endeavors, establishing initiatives like Sentebale to support those affected by the AIDS crisis.
Harry Marry Meghan Marks
In May 2018, Harry’s life took a new turn with his marriage to American actor Meghan Markle. Together, they welcomed son Archie and daughter Lilibet. However, tensions with the press and the strain of royal life led the couple to announce their decision to step back from senior roles in January 2020.
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Despite the challenges, Harry’s bond with his family remained evident. He retracted his mother’s steps in Angola in 2019 and spoke candidly about his relationship with William in the documentary “Harry & Meghan: An African Journey,” emphasizing their enduring love and support for each other.
When Was the Harry’s Last Trip to Africa?
In late September 2019, Harry, Markle, and baby Archie undertook an eventful 10-day trip to Africa. At one point, Harry retraced his mother’s steps through a minefield in Angola, which took place just months before her death.
On the final day of the tour, the royal couple announced they were suing the Mail on Sunday for publishing a private letter Markle wrote to her father.
With a film crew in tow to produce the documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, the prince revealed to his interviewer that he thought of his mother whenever facing the flashing cameras of the press.
He also acknowledged the whispers that he and William weren’t as close as they’d once been but downplayed the notion of a major rift between them: “We’re certainly on different paths at the moment, but I will always be there for him and as I know he’ll always be there for me…
We don’t see each other as much as we used to because we’re so busy, but I love him dearly.”
Why is Harry Visiting Nigeria?
This is the Sussexes’ first trip as a couple to Nigeria, where they will be heavily promoting Invictus as well as the themes of mental health and female empowerment.
Harry flew to Abuja after a quick visit to London, where he attended events marking the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games, a Paralympics-style event for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans.
Meghan flew in from Los Angeles, and together, they are following a busy schedule, which includes visiting a military rehabilitation center and local organizations dedicated to supporting veterans’ welfare.
On Saturday, the duke is also scheduled to join wounded veterans during a sitting volleyball game and later, his wife is expected to co-host a women’s leadership event with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-general of the World Trade Organization.
As it has been described as a private visit, the royal couple will not be meeting with Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu. However, they will meet with the governors of Lagos and Kaduna State.
