Duchess of Sussex

Meghan delights locals as she poses for selfies on ‘quasi-royal’ African tour while Prince Harry enjoys volleyball with wounded soldiers – as fans say ‘the whole country melted’ when duchess revealed her Nigerian heritage


Meghan mania continued in Nigeria as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a sitting volleyball match and were mobbed by fans.

The visit – 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.

However unfortunately his Nigeria Unconquered team ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad with all the players being wounded military personnel.

But it was Meghan who really sparked mayhem as she turned up in an embroidered £2,275 Joanna Ortiz Tropicana Nights dress, patterned with black and white palm leaves as she tried to beat the 35c heat and humidity.

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.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan at a sitting volleyball exhibition match today in Abuja, Nigeria

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan at a sitting volleyball exhibition match today in Abuja, Nigeria

Harry hears as he urges on the Invictus athletes - as Meghan looks delighted beside him

Harry hears as he urges on the Invictus athletes – as Meghan looks delighted beside him

Harry's Nigeria Unconquered team ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad with all the players being wounded military personnel

Harry’s Nigeria Unconquered team ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad with all the players being wounded military personnel

Meghan was left thrilled as she was presented with a painting by her adoring young fans

Meghan was left thrilled as she was presented with a painting by her adoring young fans

The Duchess joyfully posed with onlookers - including one young girl, dressed up smartly in a white dress and matching bow

The Duchess joyfully posed with onlookers – including one young girl, dressed up smartly in a white dress and matching bow

The Duke was all smiles as he got stuck in and battled hard in front of a delighted audience

The Duke was all smiles as he got stuck in and battled hard in front of a delighted audience

Members of the Nigeria Unconquered team can be seen here on the left, dressed in yellow, while players on the Chief of Defence staff squad are seen wearing black

Members of the Nigeria Unconquered team can be seen here on the left, dressed in yellow, while players on the Chief of Defence staff squad are seen wearing black

It was Meghan who really sparked mayhem as she turned up in a strip Joanna Ortiz shoulder less dress to beat the 35c heat and humidity

It was Meghan who really sparked mayhem as she turned up in a strip Joanna Ortiz shoulder less dress to beat the 35c heat and humidity

Meghan has earned the love of her hosts - with one group of fans holding up placards reading ¿43 % Nigerian¿ in a nod to Meghan¿s recent admission of her west African heritage

Meghan has earned the love of her hosts – with one group of fans holding up placards reading ’43 % Nigerian’ in a nod to Meghan’s recent admission of her west African heritage

Harry is seen giving a slight smirk, while sitting next to Meghan who appears to have a huge grin on her face

Harry is seen giving a slight smirk, while sitting next to Meghan who appears to have a huge grin on her face

One adoring fan holds a sign reading 43% Nigerian in a nod to Meghan's recent admission of her west African heritage

One adoring fan holds a sign reading 43% Nigerian in a nod to Meghan’s recent admission of her west African heritage

Many of the players ¿ who included men and women - were amputees and Meghan looked on clapping and cheering as Harry and his team. Pictured: Harry and Meghan pose up with their hosts

Many of the players – who included men and women – were amputees and Meghan looked on clapping and cheering as Harry and his team. Pictured: Harry and Meghan pose up with their hosts

One adoring fan holds a copy of Harry's memoir spare - maybe she was lucky enough to get it signed by the Prince himself

One adoring fan holds a copy of Harry’s memoir spare – maybe she was lucky enough to get it signed by the Prince himself 

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.

‘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.

Harry delighted fans as he took part in the sitting volleyball exhibition match - even if he wasn't able to fend off his opponents' victory

Harry delighted fans as he took part in the sitting volleyball exhibition match – even if he wasn’t able to fend off his opponents’ victory

Meghan appeared in close conversation with her hosts as she watched Harry play, wearing a huge grin

Meghan appeared in close conversation with her hosts as she watched Harry play, wearing a huge grin

The couple looked focused as they watched on at the sitting volleyball exhibition match in the Nigerian capital

The couple looked focused as they watched on at the sitting volleyball exhibition match in the Nigerian capital

In one adorable moment, Meghan exchanged a red rose with one young fan, who shyly met the Duches

In one adorable moment, Meghan exchanged a red rose with one young fan, who shyly met the Duches

Harry and Meghan are seen greeting doting fans as they arrived for the seated volleyball exhibition match in Nigeria

Harry and Meghan are seen greeting doting fans as they arrived for the seated volleyball exhibition match in Nigeria 

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

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

Harry was seen getting stuck into the sitting volleyball game although in the end his team suffered a narrow defeat

Harry was seen getting stuck into the sitting volleyball game although in the end his team suffered a narrow defeat

Harry pictured with his Nigeria Unconquered team who ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad

Harry pictured with his Nigeria Unconquered team who ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad

Prince Harry was in awe of the skills on show at the volleyball match in Nigeria today

Prince Harry was in awe of the skills on show at the volleyball match in Nigeria today

Harry and Meghan can be seen watching a volley ball game on the sidelines as they were surrounded by adoring fans

Harry and Meghan can be seen watching a volley ball game on the sidelines as they were surrounded by adoring fans

Prince Harry is seen taking part in one of the seated volleyball matches with other players

Prince Harry is seen taking part in one of the seated volleyball matches with other players

Harry was seen in suspense as he waited for a member of his team to serve the ball from behind him

Harry was seen in suspense as he waited for a member of his team to serve the ball from behind him 

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

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

Harry appears to shout with another member of the Nigerian volleyball teams as he poses for a picture with some of the players and fans

Harry appears to shout with another member of the Nigerian volleyball teams as he poses for a picture with some of the players and fans 

Harry and Meghan smile for the camera as they take a photo with a group of volleyball players and charmed fans

Harry and Meghan smile for the camera as they take a photo with a group of volleyball players and charmed fans

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.

After the match the couple were ushered into a side room where they had a wardrobe change for a lunch with the Nigerian chief of defence staff Christopher Musa.

Wearing a shoulder less St Agni full length white dress Meghan drew gasps from onlookers as she walked into the officers mess for the reception.

Harry had a cream linen suit and joked with one guest who was wearing a black tuxedo: ‘Love your jacket. I want it.’

After being seated the British and Nigerian national anthems were played with the couple facing a stage decorated with red, white and blue balloons.

 Guests at the lunch were able to choose from five different menus including special fried rice, fish fillet sauce and jollof rice.

There was cow offal with offada sauce or if you they were reluctant to try the traditional Nigerian menu they could opt for spaghetti bolognese or grilled chicken.

A dance troupe entertained guests with music and rhythmic drumming with Harry and Meghan tapping and swaying to the beat.

A giant poster on the stage was perhaps not the best choice as it featured a rather stern looking Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

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.’

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

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

Harry and Meghan have a four-person security team for their 72-hour visit to Nigeria for which they have paid themselves as well as additional protection provided by the west African country

Harry and Meghan have a four-person security team for their 72-hour visit to Nigeria for which they have paid themselves as well as additional protection provided by the west African country 

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 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

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

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

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

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

After the match the couple were ushered into a side room where they had a wardrobe change for a lunch with the Nigerian chief of defence staff Christopher Musa. Meghan wowed guests with this shoulder less St Agni full length white dress

After the match the couple were ushered into a side room where they had a wardrobe change for a lunch with the Nigerian chief of defence staff Christopher Musa. Meghan wowed guests with this shoulder less St Agni full length white dress

Meghan seemed engaged in a delightful conversation with one of the party guests

Meghan seemed engaged in a delightful conversation with one of the party guests 

Meghan is pictured stodd next to five other female dinner guests as she attended a lunch with Minister of Defence in Abuja Nigeria

Meghan is pictured stodd next to five other female dinner guests as she attended a lunch with Minister of Defence in Abuja Nigeria

Harry was also pictured at the event wearing a cream linen suit

Harry was also pictured at the event wearing a cream linen suit

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.

Harry spoke to a group of pupils at the school – which is supported by the couple’s Archewell Foundation – about mental health, and referenced when someone has ‘lost a loved one in your family and you don’t know who to turn to or who to speak to’. 

The Duke – who was 12 and his brother William 15 when Diana died in Paris in 1997 – added that there was ‘no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day’,

He also told the children: ‘You can have it, she (Meghan) can have it, I can have it. They can have it. Every single one of us is likely to have it on any given day.’

The couple flew in together just before 5am following a secret reunion at London Heathrow’s VIP Windsor Suite on Thursday after the Duchess arrived from Los Angeles.

They then boarded the British Airways overnight flight to Abuja, which was slightly delayed after the scheduled pilot went sick and a replacement had to be scrambled.

The Sussexes, visiting Nigeria together for the first time, were seated in the first class section of the Boeing 777 and were kept apart from other passengers by a curtain.

It comes after Harry said it was ‘great’ to be back in the UK this week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The Duke had been in London since Tuesday to attend events relating to the competition including a thanksgiving service.



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