Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a notable appearance at a reception hosted at the Defence Headquarters officers’ mess in Abuja, where they paid tribute to military families and the Widow Association.
The event took place on May 11 amidst swirling rumors about King Charles missing an opportunity to reunite with his son during Harry’s brief visit to the UK.
Despite the speculations, the composed couple stood respectfully for the rendition of God Save the King, maintaining a dignified demeanor as the British national anthem resonated throughout the venue.
In a show of respect, military personnel saluted in the presence of Christopher Moussa, the Ian Chief of Defence Staff.
The royal couple’s conduct during the national anthem sparked mixed reactions from fans of the monarchy, with some expressing discomfort at the sight of Harry and Meghan standing for the UK anthem.
One observer called for an end to the situation, emphasizing that Prince Harry no longer holds official status representing the United Kingdom or the Crown.
Another critic pointed out the couple’s lack of participation in singing or acknowledging the anthem, questioning Nigeria’s choice to play the UK’s national anthem for a private citizen who had allegedly betrayed his country and turned his back on the Crown.
Additionally, Harry’s decision not to wear his father’s coronation medal was highlighted as a point of contention.
During the reception, Harry and Meghan appeared to decline the offered food, leading to moments of chaos as a disco beat played in the background.
As the customary dance commenced, the couple opted out of joining the guests on the dance floor, indicating a disregard for local customs and traditions.
Despite attempts by two elegantly dressed ladies to involve them in the dance, Harry engaged in conversation with a military gentleman, while Meghan seemed visibly uncomfortable, possibly due to her self-centered nature and social awkwardness.
Her failure to display emotional empathy and integrate with local customs reflected a lack of respect.
Meghan’s behavior further raised eyebrows as she chose not to partake in the customary dance, showcasing a lack of understanding and respect for Nigerian traditions.
Her refusal to engage in a simple dance as a gesture of respect was perceived as rude, highlighting her focus on asserting control and seeking personal gain.
The disconnect between Meghan’s actions and her professed affiliation with the country underscored a superficial understanding of Nigerian culture, with her priorities seemingly centered on self-promotion rather than genuine connection.
Adding to the controversy, Meghan’s attire—a shoulder-less St. Agi full-length white dress—was deemed inappropriate for a Muslim country like Nigeria.
Her apparent disregard for cultural sensitivities could be interpreted as ignorance or a deliberate feminist statement challenging traditional norms.
However, such actions aligned with her pattern of behavior, characterized by a lack of consideration for host nations’ religious and cultural practices.