Prince Harry And Meghan Criticized Over ‘Presidential-Style’ Security In Nigeria

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle touched down in Nigeria with a “presidential-style” security team for their 72-hour stay in the country.

However, their security plans are a hot topic back in England for former Royal protection officers, who say the visit is hypocritical and performative of the couple.

The royal couple have had a busy stay in Nigeria so far, including Harry’s visit to Kaduna to greet wounded military officers.

For the 72-hour private trip, Harry and Meghan reportedly paid for their own four-person security team and also received heavy protection from the Nigerian government.

However, their decision to visit the country has been branded “hypocritical” back home in England.

Former royal protection officer Dai Davies spoke to the DailyMail about how Harry and Meghan’s security plans rubbed him the wrong way.

He said, “Seeing all his presidential-style security really does stick in the throat. For a couple who say all they want is privacy to visit one of the most dangerous places in the world, and that’s not me saying that it’s the Foreign Office as well, is crazy, and you have to wonder why.”

Davies claimed that it would have been “safer and easier” for Harry and Meghan to fly the wounded Nigerian soldiers to London rather than to visit the country.

He added, “You have to ask yourself is it really all about the charities or is it the Harry and Meghan show [?]”

Former royal protection officer Ken Wharfe also criticized Harry and Meghan’s visit to Nigeria.

He questioned how Harry could visit the high-risk country after previously complaining about security issues at home in England.

Wharfe told the DailyMail that the whole trip made Harry’s “hypocrisy” very clear.

He said, “I went to Nigeria with Harry’s mother and father, and it was pretty lawless back then and so you do have to question why he has gone there if he says the safety of his wife and children is uppermost.”

Wharfe added, “He’s going to a high-risk country and I’m sure he will be looked after but he is a high level target and one that would certainly in the feather of anyone looking to make him a dramatic impact.”

After they touched down in Nigeria, Harry and Meghan visited General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff.

The couple then met multiple wives of military personnel outside the property and received a warm greeting from the waiting crowd. The next portion of the trip then featured Harry and Meghan separating for their individual events.

Harry flew from Abuja, the capital city, to Kaduna state to visit wounded soldiers at a military hospital. Meghan, meanwhile, attended a private event at an undisclosed location. The couple is also scheduled to attend a volleyball match for injured servicemen in Abuja for their tour.

Upon arriving at the Kaduna military hospital, Harry was welcomed by dancers and apologized for not bringing Meghan.

He said, “The focus here in Kaduna is the wounded, injured, and sick men and women who serve in Nigerian forces and keep people safe.”

During their trip, Harry and Meghan also visited the Lightway Academy school, which the Archewell Foundation supports. The school aims to educate young girls affected by the various conflicts in Nigeria.

At the school, the royal couple launched an inaugural mental health summit organized by the local non-profit GEANCO, a partner of their foundation.

As they arrived at the school, Harry and Meghan were welcomed by a dancing troupe and lots of students and teachers. The Duchess of Sussex even joined in the dancing.

The royal duo were a wonderful guest to the school, happily taking pictures with the students. One student shared a photo of herself with Meghan with a sweet caption that read, “She’s literally so nice!.”

Harry and Meghan discussed mental health during their visit and mentioned its importance to their family and children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Before Meghan and Harry’s visit to Nigeria, the Duke made a stop in the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

Harry made a solo trip, as Meghan opted to stay behind in California with their kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

According to reports at the time, the Duchess of Sussex was worried about the safety of her kids. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams also noted, during a chat with The Sun, that Meghan was not going to come to the UK due to the “hostility towards her.”

While in the UK, Harry did not meet with any of the royal family members; however, he saw his mother, the Late Princess Diana’s siblings, Earl Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes, who supported him at his Invictus event.