Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have made headlines once again, this time with their first visit to Nigeria, invited by the nation's top military leader.
The trip, aimed at enhancing their public image and promoting the Invictus Games, quickly became controversial due to Meghan's choice of attire. as Fox News reports.
Arriving last Friday, the couple was greeted with both anticipation and scrutiny. Their three-day stay was filled with a series of cultural engagements, including a noteworthy polo match.
Amid these engagements, Meghan's choice of a backless, beige maxi dress designed by Heidi Merrick, which bore the name "Windsor," stirred a mix of amusement and criticism online. This choice was seen by some as an ironic nod to their royal connections, which they have publicly distanced themselves from since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
"Meghan Markle is desperate to have ties to Windsor name," a user expressed on X, hinting at perceived intentions behind her fashion choice.
Their media strategy was also a topic of debate. Opting for coverage by People magazine, a choice in line with their past selective media engagements, the Sussexes continued to craft their narrative on their own terms. Helena Chard commented on their need for positive press, noting, "The couple needs positive PR as they are often reminded of their failures," emphasizing the strategic nature of their visit.
"Their decision to give a veteran People magazine reporter this access completely contradicts their Megxit manifesto," Kinsey Schofield argued, highlighting a discrepancy between their actions and previously stated goals of media engagement.
The couple's choice to feature the Invictus Games during their visit, where Nigeria made its debut in September 2023, was particularly well-received. This element of their trip aimed to bolster their standing in the world of philanthropy.
"She’s desperate for the benefits without the duty," another critic pointed out, reflecting a broader sentiment of skepticism towards the couple's motives and actions.
While critics were vocal, supporters of Meghan also made their voices heard. "Honestly, I think people read too much into this stuff. She wears a dress and suddenly it's a secret message? Maybe she just liked the dress," defended one supporter, highlighting the polarized views on her every action. "Meghan is Beautiful!!!" another supporter exclaimed, focusing on her appearance rather than the surrounding controversy.
The trip, while non-official and styled similar to a royal tour, was a clear effort by the Sussexes to maintain a presence on the global stage. Their activities in Nigeria, including engagements with local culture and the military, were carefully chosen to reflect a dignified yet approachable image.
Despite the challenges, the visit was a testament to the couple's ongoing efforts to shape their roles within the public eye, using strategic appearances and partnerships to foster a narrative of engagement and influence.
In summary, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's trip to Nigeria highlighted their complex relationship with the public and media, their strategic use of fashion and media to shape public perception, and their ongoing commitment to causes like the Invictus Games, even as they navigate the challenges of their unique position in the public eye.
