13 May 2024 , 11:30
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's tour to Nigeria has highlighted the many 'missed opportunities' for the couple and the royal family, according to a royal expert.
The Sussexes spent three days in Africa on an unofficial "royal tour" last week. It has largely been deemed a success - although there have been some questions over security, Meghan's choice of clothing and a late arrival.
Nevertheless, the couple made a big impression during their stay and were warmly welcomed wherever they went.
Reflecting on their trip during an appearance on Lorraine on Monday, the Mirror's Royal Editor Russell Myers noted that the visit had called attention to 'missed opportunities' following Harry and Meghan's decision to leave the royal family.
He said: "I think it's at times like this, it's an opportunity missed. So when you see them, the glitz and the glamour, shining a light on all these charities abroad. We could have had a bit of that if people had maybe towed the line on either side.
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"But these are all sliding doors moments," the royal expert added.
Harry and Meghan stepped down as royals in 2020 - and since their relationship with the royals has only become increasingly fractured. During Harry's visit to London last week, he failed to see any of his family members, with King Charles said to be 'too busy' for a reunion.
Days later, and there was an awkward moment for Harry and Meghan when they had to stand for God Save The King while attending a charity event in Nigeria.
Harry and Meghan's visit being dubbed an 'unofficial royal tour' is said to have frustrated both Charles and Prince William.
Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: "The King and Prince William are firmly of the belief that you are either in or out of the working Royals.
"This seems to be a rather strange halfway house. I think both the King and the Prince, and indeed the Government, will want it to be made clear that Harry is not representing either the Royal Family or Britain on this trip."
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery confirmed the couple were not representing the UK in Nigeria. He said: "It's great that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defence Headquarters. But they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one."
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, Richard added: "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."