Nigeria Visit: Angry British envoy says Harry, Meghan not representing King
Following the colourful tour of Nigeria by Prince Harry and his wife, Markel Meghan, an angry British High Commissioner, Mr Richard Montgomery has said the duo are not representing the king.
The British High Commissioner to the Nigeria spoke out as photographs were taken of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at an event in the oil rich nation.
NewsBand earlier reported that their visit is primarily to promote the Invictus Games which Harry founded in 2014.
But many observers have questioned its similarity to a tour undertaken by senior members of the Royal Family, meeting dancers, taking part in games and shaking hands with all and sundry.
Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020, and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria has been fast to dismiss any idea they are on official business, the Express reported.
Richard Montgomery said in comments reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, “It’s great that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defence Headquarters.
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“But they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one. So, the British High Commission is not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme. They are not representing the work of His Majesty’s Government on this visit.”
Harry founded the Invictus Games to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick service members and veterans, among them Nigerian soldiers fighting a 14-year war against Islamic extremists.
The Nigerian military has touted the Invictus Games as one which could help the recovery of thousands of its personnel who have been fighting the homegrown Boko Haram Islamic extremists and their factions since 2009 when they launched an insurgency.
“80% of our soldiers that have been involved in this recovery programme are getting better (and) their outlook to life is positive,” Mr Marquis said.
“The recovery programme has given them an opportunity to improve their personal self-esteem, to improve their mental health and emotional intelligence.”
