Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 72-hour visit to Nigeria has sparked speculation about their continued adherence to royal protocol. Despite stepping down from their senior roles in the British monarchy in 2020, the couple’s behavior and wardrobe choices during their trip suggest they may still be guided by the etiquette they learned during their time as working royals.
Upon their arrival in Nigeria, the Duke and Duchess were greeted with the strains of “God Save The King” in conference halls, while they were photographed wearing “summer” linens and traditional coral beads at local academies. In one instance, they posed in coordinating white and teal-green tailoring, mirroring the colors of the Nigerian flag.
Meghan Markle’s wardrobe choices also hinted at her former royal status. She re-wore the silk Carolina Herrera column dress she wore to announce her pregnancy with Archie in 2018, and opted for a muted-tone Heidi Merrick dress that evoked her Kensington Palace days. These subtle nods to her previous life suggest that she and Prince Harry may not have fully abandoned the protocols and traditions they once followed.
The couple’s visit to Nigeria included engagements with local organizations and a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner. Their interactions with dignitaries and the public were characterized by warmth and informality, yet they maintained a level of decorum that befits their former royal status.
Whether or not Prince Harry and Meghan Markle intend to return to their roles as working royals remains to be seen. However, their recent visit to Nigeria suggests that they are still mindful of the etiquette and symbolism associated with their previous positions. Their wardrobe choices, поведение, and interactions with the public all hint at a continued adherence to royal protocol, even as they forge a new path for themselves outside the monarchy.
