Beat the heat! Meghan Markle wears £2,275 Johanna Ortiz sundress to stave off the 95F weather while Prince Harry enjoys volleyball in Nigeria

Meghan Markle kept cool in a £2,275 striped sundress as she and Prince Harry began their ‘quasi-royal’ tour of Africa today.

The visit to Nigeria – which has become a royal tour in all but name – is part of Harry’s Invictus Game project and he delighted onlookers when he took part in a game.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, watched on from the sidelines in Johanna Ortiz’s Tropicana Nights dress, which features a black and cream palm leaf style design, with cut out detailing under the bust.

She complemented her ensemble with bold gold jewellery, including statement circular earrings and a variety of matching bracelets.

Meghan’s hair was slicked back into a ponytail for her outing, and her make-up was simple and fresh. 

Meghan Markle kept cool in a £2,275 striped sundress as she and Prince Harry began their ‘quasi-royal’ tour of Africa today 

The visit to Nigeria – which has become a royal tour in all but name – is part of Harry’s Invictus Game project and he delighted onlookers when he took part in a game

Later in the day, she changed into a strapless, white fitted dress for lunch with Nigeria’s minister of defence. She swept her hair into a sleek up-do, and added a delicate cross necklace.

Harry also changed for the occasion, matching his wife in a white suit.

The Duchess cheered Prince Harry on as he took part in a sitting volleyball game, but ultimately his Nigeria Unconquered team ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad. 

The outdoor volleyball match at the Officers Mess was their first official engagement on Saturday and once again the couple were the centre of attention.

Meghan was happy to pose for selfies – at one point being lost amongst the crowd – and some were even reduced to tears after meeting her.

The Sussex Squad – a group of Harry and Meghan fans – were out in force as they cheered the Duke and Duchess on their arrival just before midday.

Aptly named Royalty Ojeh, six, was chosen to present a stem of roses to Meghan who pulled one out of the bunch and handed it back to the awe-struck little girl.

As they arrived there were loud cheers from a group of fans holding up placards reading ’43 % Nigerian’ in a nod to Meghan’s recent admission of her west African heritage.

Others jokingly said ‘Harry you owe us dowry’ with London based Michela Rituc explaining;’ It’s traditional for dowry and Meghan is Nigerian so he owes us.

‘When she announced her heritage, I already knew it you can just tell from the mother’s face and the grandmother’s face, definitely eastern Nigerian.

Later in the day, she changed into a strapless, white fitted dress for lunch with Nigeria’s minister of defence

She swept her hair into a sleek up-do, and added a delicate cross necklace

Prince Harry matched his wife in a white suit and navy blue tie for the dinner

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, watched on from the sidelines in Johanna Ortiz’s Tropicana Nights dress, which features a black and cream palm leaf style design, with cut out detailing under the bust

She complemented her ensemble with bold gold jewellery, including statement circular earrings and a variety of matching bangles

Meghan’s hair was slicked back into a ponytail for her outing, and her make-up was simple and fresh

Meghan was happy to pose for selfies – at one point being lost amongst the crowd – and some were even reduced to tears after meeting her

The Sussex Squad – a group of Harry and Meghan fans – were out in force as they cheered the Duke and Duchess on their arrival just before midday

‘The features say it all and the whole country melted when she said it, she is our daughter, our daughter and we couldn’t be happier.

‘We have always loved Meghan, ever since we saw her in Suits and we are so happy she has come home to visit us.’

As he took to the pitch to join in with Invictus game board member David Wisey, Harry took off a green and white Nigerian scarf he had been given before enthusiastically joining in.

Sitting on the ground he joined the Nigeria Unconquered team for a huddle and motivational high five before getting stuck in.

As he took to the pitch to join in with Invictus game board member David Wisey, Harry took off a green and white Nigerian scarf he had been given before enthusiastically joining in

Sitting on the ground he joined the Nigeria Unconquered team for a huddle and motivational high five before getting stuck in

Many of the players – who included men and women – were amputees and Meghan looked on clapping and cheering as Harry and his team

Many of the players – who included men and women – were amputees and Meghan looked on clapping and cheering as Harry and his team.

But it was the Nigerian Chief of Defence staff team who took the match and there were smiles and hugs all round at the end as Harry and Meghan met the players.

As with the defence headquarters meeting on Friday at times there were chaotic scenes as Meghan was engulfed by excited fans in pop star style scenes.

Harry – who at times appeared concerned – continually cast a vigilant eye towards his wife as their US and American security team tried to keep control.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan at a lunch with the Nigerian Minister of Defence in Abuja

The couple looked engaged as entertainment was supplied to those in attendance

Meghan claps and laughs as she joins the Nigerian minister of defence at the lunch

The couple had dressed to impress, in matching outfits – both in shades of off-white

A source close to the couple told MailOnline: ‘They are so happy to be in Nigeria and having a great time. Everyone has been so welcoming towards them and they are really feeling the warmth of the people.

‘As far as they are concerned it’s been a fantastic trip and they couldn’t be happier.’

On Sunday the couple will travel to Lagos where they will watch a basketball match and also attend a fundraising event at the city’s polo ground before returning to Britain on Monday and onwards to California.

The spectacle comes as the couple enjoy the second day of their 72-hour tour of the African nation, the day after Harry and Meghan delighted schoolchildren when they visited the Wuse Lightway Academy.