Harry and Meghan’s recent three-day trip to Nigeria to support the Invictus Games was a resounding success. While opinions varied among royal followers and analysts in the UK, the warm reception in Nigeria confirmed the Sussexes’ enduring popularity in this large Commonwealth nation.
During their visit, Harry and Meghan thoroughly enjoyed themselves, in contrast to Prince William, Kate Middleton, and King Charles, who were reportedly upset by the trip. Despite no longer holding royal titles, it seems likely that the Sussexes will continue to engage in similar activities.
Their children, Archie and Lilibet, remain distant from their royal relatives in the UK, and it appears that Harry is hesitant to bring them for a visit. However, it may not be long before Archie and Lilibet start participating in public life, as their parents are rumored to have significant plans for their future.
Harry and Meghan’s exit from the royal family meant a different life. However, now, it’s not only about them but also their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet
Archie, their eldest child, was born in the UK, while their daughter, Lilibet, was born in their new home of Montecito, California.
The couple resides in a large mansion known as “Fort Knox,” where they have neighbors like Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey.
In recent years, the couple has been busy with several initiatives, including a Netflix series, Harry’s book “Spare,” and Meghan’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Nonetheless, their children remain their top priority.
After Harry and Meghan stepped back from the royal family, many royal privileges were lost. They were asked to leave their UK residence, Frogmore Cottage, by King Charles, although they retained their royal titles.
Revelations and accusations about royal life that they shared publicly have angered members of the royal family, including King Charles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton. Opinions on the Sussexes vary among royal enthusiasts and experts, and in March of the previous year, another controversial event took place.
On March 9, 2023, Harry and Meghan announced that their daughter Lilibet was christened by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, receiving the official title of Princess Lilibet Diana. Her brother was also granted a royal title, becoming Prince Archie.
In a statement, Harry and Meghan expressed their belief that these titles are their children’s “birthright.”
Harry and Meghan decided to give their children royal titles
The christening took place privately at the Sussexes’ Montecito home, attended by roughly 20 to 30 guests.
“The children’s titles have been their birthright since their grandfather ascended the throne. This issue was resolved some time ago in agreement with Buckingham Palace,” a spokesperson for the couple stated.
The bestowal of the titles of prince and princess on Archie and Lilibet has led to confusion among many. Although there was a delay in their receiving these titles, Meghan discussed this topic during her widely viewed interview with Oprah in 2021.
“They didn’t want [Archie] to have a prince or princess title, not knowing the baby’s gender, which was a departure from the usual protocol,” she explained.
Harry and Meghan intend not to deprive their children of their birthrights; instead, they prefer that Archie and Lilibet decide for themselves whether to retain or renounce their titles as they grow older.
Archie and Lilibet are unlikely to use their royal titles in everyday life; these will primarily be used in formal situations.
While it is their right to hold royal titles, this privilege may not be entirely beneficial. Royal expert and author Angela Levin has suggested that the titles could adversely affect Archie and Lilibet’s future.
Expert claimed Archie & Lilibet’s royal titles will be a “burden”
In an article for Sky, Angela Levin commented that Lilibet now bears a considerable burden because of her parents’ choice.
“It will be a while before Lilibet understands the weight of what her parents have placed upon her,” Levin remarked.
She further noted that by bestowing the title of princess on their daughter, Harry and Meghan have effectively “tied her to the British Royal Family,” an institution they have often criticized.
“Why would you wish such distress on your daughter?” Levin questioned, highlighting that carrying the princess title might complicate Lilibet’s daily interactions.
“Little girls might enjoy being a princess at parties, but if Lilibet is the only real princess in her class, it might foster jealousy, which could be easily avoided,” Levin concluded.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stepped back from royal duties, which eliminated their official engagements. Nonetheless, a few weeks ago, they undertook what appeared to be a ‘royal’ visit, spending three days in Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games.
Harry & Meghan’s Nigeria trip – a “royal” visit?
The couple landed in Abuja, Nigeria, greeted by a large, enthusiastic crowd, engaging warmly by smiling and taking selfies. Their visit aimed to spotlight mental health issues among youth affected by conflicts, including a stop at Lightway Academy, which benefits from support by Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation. According to the Associated Press, the academy educates young girls impacted by conflicts in Nigeria.
Harry and Meghan also spent time with wounded soldiers and their families, making their three-day trip widely regarded as a success. Despite facing significant media criticism in recent years due to various controversies involving the royal family, this trip seemed to mark a positive shift in public perception, especially for Meghan.
However, the visit has elicited mixed reactions in the UK. A royal insider told the Mirror that Prince William and Kate Middleton were “furious” about the trip, viewing it as an encroachment on their royal responsibilities.
Prior to the visit, the trip faced scrutiny, perceived by some as an “unofficial royal tour,” with accusations that it undermined the royal family’s relationship with the Commonwealth.
Royal commentator Tom Bower accused Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of exploiting their royal status during the visit. Additionally, author Phil Dampier remarked on the irony of the situation in the Daily Mail, noting that while the late Queen had hoped for Harry and Meghan to serve as ambassadors to the Commonwealth, they had declined to do so as working royals.
“Now they seem to selectively accept invitations from these nations,” Dampier observed, suggesting that the Sussexes are attempting to establish a “rival court” or their own version of a royal tour.
Royal family “furious” over Sussexes’ Nigeria tour
Prince William and Kate Middleton are currently dealing with a lot, and as royal expert Tom Quinn explains, they are “furious” about Harry and Meghan’s recent visit to Nigeria, adding to their challenges.
Quinn told the Mirror that the Prince and Princess of Wales are not just upset with Harry and Meghan but also worried that their worst fears are being realized.
“William is absolutely furious and is looking for ways to prevent such situations in the future. Charles is said to be more enraged than anyone has ever seen him,” Quinn shared, noting William’s frustration that the Nigerians “treated Meghan and Harry as if they were on an official tour.”
“It seems like Harry and Meghan have gone rogue—their trip to Nigeria was a defiant message that they do not recognize their non-royal status. William and Charles are left wondering, ‘How are we going to manage this escalating situation?'” Quinn remarked.
He observed that Harry and Meghan were received in Nigeria with all the formalities typical of an official royal visit, and their speeches there “gave the impression that they still consider themselves fully fledged royals.”
“For Charles and William, it’s as though Meghan and Harry are declaring, ‘We don’t need your approval to act as working royals – we will do it on our own terms, wherever and whenever we choose,'” Quinn concluded in his interview with the Mirror.
Harry & Meghan consider bringing Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet on future tours
Harry and Meghan have consistently expressed their desire to lead a more private life, particularly for the benefit of their children. While Prince William and Kate Middleton are gradually introducing their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, to public roles through official engagements, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have the freedom to pursue any path they choose.
However, it now seems that Harry and Meghan might be considering a more public role for their children. Royal expert Tom Quinn suggests that the Sussexes might include Archie and Lilibet in their future international engagements.
Prince Archie was present during his parents’ royal tour of South Africa in 2019, while Lilibet has generally been kept away from the public eye.
“Meghan understands the positive image that the family unit can project — the appealing sight of the royal couple with their children could generate the kind of attention Harry and Meghan are looking for, especially as they aim to build a significant entrepreneurial empire,” Quinn commented to the Mirror.
He further noted, “As Harry and Meghan’s royal engagements become more high-profile, Kate and William seem increasingly sidelined, a fact that Harry and Meghan are well aware of.”
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