Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines during their recent visit to Nigeria by breaking away from traditional royal protocol.
The couple received a variety of gifts from locals, which raised eyebrows due to the strict rules surrounding working royals accepting gifts.
According to royal family protocol, members of the firm are prohibited from accepting gifts that could create obligations to the donor.
However, Harry and Meghan happily accepted gifts during their Nigerian tour, as they are no longer bound by royal rules after stepping down as working royals in 2020.
Upon their arrival in Nigeria, the Sussexes were presented with paintings, including one depicting Harry and his late mother, Princess Diana.
Meghan also received a piece of artwork from a young girl at a charity event, showcasing animals and flowers.
They were gifted personalized t-shirts with slogans and traditional Nigerian outfits during a reception at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
However, a source close to the couple revealed a controversial incident involving Meghan’s behavior towards the gifts she received.
According to an insider’s account on Blind Item, Meghan allegedly pretended to be pleased with the gifts but later discarded them to her assistants and security guards at a low value.
The source suggested that Meghan’s true intentions were focused on material wealth, specifically money and jewelry like gold and diamonds.
The insider also questioned Meghan’s commitment to embracing her African heritage, pointing out her reluctance to use the African title bestowed upon her during the trip.
The controversy deepened as it was revealed that the traditional Nigerian clothing gifted to Meghan was ultimately passed on to an employee, indicating her apparent disregard for the cultural significance of the gifts.
This incident came after Meghan faced criticism for imparting what some deemed as patronizing advice to young girls in Nigeria about her journey to royalty.
While sharing her story at an event, Meghan highlighted her path to becoming a princess but failed to acknowledge that her royal status was achieved through marriage to Prince Harry.
Critics and social media users expressed skepticism over Meghan’s messaging, with some labeling her remarks as nonsensical.
By emphasizing her own journey to royalty without acknowledging the privilege of marrying into the royal family, Meghan’s words sparked debate about the underlying implications of her narrative.
The incident raised questions about the authenticity of Meghan’s connection to her heritage and the messages she conveys, particularly in contexts where cultural sensitivity is paramount.
As the scrutiny surrounding Meghan’s actions in Nigeria continues to unfold, observers are left pondering the complexities of identity, privilege, and cultural exchange.
The incident serves as a reminder of the nuanced challenges faced by public figures navigating issues of representation and authenticity, especially in diverse and culturally rich settings like Nigeria.
Meghan’s interactions and decisions during the trip have sparked conversations about the responsibilities of individuals in positions of influence and the impact of their actions on broader societal perceptions.