The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has bemoaned being away from her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, during her trip to Nigeria.
Speaking during a reception at the Lagos State Government House, the former actress, who was on the trip with her husband, talked about how being in the country has kept her away from her children for the Mother’s Day celebration.
She also thanked the organizers for the reception, adding that she was “very grateful” for their kindness.
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Meghan Markle Says ‘I’m Missing My Babies’
As part of their schedule for their visit to Nigeria, Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, were entertained at the Lagos State Government House over the weekend.
At the event, the mother of two spoke about “missing her babies,” particularly since the event coincided with Mother’s Day in America, preventing her from celebrating with her children.
“Today is Mother’s Day (in America),” Meghan began, per the DailyMail. “So it feels appropriate that although, of course, we are missing our children, I’m missing my babies, it feels very appropriate to be in the motherland and amongst family.”
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The lifestyle brand owner expressed gratitude for the “kindness” she received, referencing the gifts and honorary names given to her.
She added, ‘Thank you so much for the kindness and for these beautiful names, I’m very grateful. I can’t wait to come back.”
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Prince Harry Promises He And Meghan Would Return To Nigeria
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Meanwhile, Harry also gave a similar endearing speech as his wife, describing the guests at the event as his “in-laws” and “family.”
He continued, “Thank you for welcoming my wife and myself to Nigeria. It’s our first visit. It certainly won’t be our last.”
The Invictus Games founder then spoke about the ceremony where he and his wife were given honorary Nigerian names, adding that it really meant a lot to his wife. Meghan previously shared that she discovered she possesses 43% Nigerian DNA as part of her genetic makeup.
Harry remarked, “Thank you for the naming ceremony. I don’t know how I got dragged into that as well, but to be able to witness it as well next to my wife, it means a huge amount to both of us but especially her, so thank you for that.”
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Social Media Reacts To Prince Harry’s Speech
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On social media, fans of the Sussexes reacted to a video of the Duke’s speech with much love and light.
One fan wrote, “Not Harry calling everyone his in-laws. He’s Right, though. [At this point] they’re all family. And You can tell how proud and happy he is for Meghan.”
Another fan wrote, “In-laws. This is why we love Harry, he gets it! Go ahead, Big Red.”
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One more person commented, “This is why #PrinceHarry is the most popular #BritishRoyal & has always been loved globally. It’s also why they tried to make him out to be the stupid Royal. They had to diminish him so the others could shine but no more. They can’t dim his light anymore. He’s shining brightly.”
Someone else said, “Harry called them in-laws. This weekend has me all in my feels.”
What Harry And Meghan Wore For The Ceremony
Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle looking absolutely regal in Sunshine Yellow in Lagos.
??✨️?This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…this little light of mine, I’m gonna let shine… ?? ✨️ ? pic.twitter.com/U95Mk6HEmt
— Carmen’s Granddaughter (@CarmenGranddau1) May 12, 2024
For their appearance at the Lagos State Government House, Harry and Meghan went casual, fitting with the ambiance of the reception.
Meghan wore a beautiful flowing gown that reached down to her legs and showed off her toned arms. She accessorized the outfit with a silver necklace and earrings, opting for an elegant upward hairstyle. She later added to her attire a beautiful cultural fabric that she was gifted with.
Meanwhile, Harry donned a mixture of colors for his outfit, pairing a white long-sleeve shirt with dark trousers atop a being jacket and black tie. He also had on a light brown shoe that completed the causal style he was going for.
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The royal couple’s trip to the government house was included in their itinerary for their three-day visit to Nigeria. Harry and Meghan were invited to the country by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Christopher Gwabin Musa, and they used the opportunity to promote the Duke’s Invictus Games, a competitive sporting tournament that caters to wounded, sick, or injured veterans and serving military personnel.
Meghan Markle Calls Nigeria ‘My Country’
On day two of Meghan and Harry’s visit to Nigeria, the Duchess of Sussex joined several leading Nigerian women to discuss the importance of female leadership and empowerment in driving positive change globally.
During the chat, Meghan expressed gratitude for the “overwhelming” welcome she has received since landing in the country and opened up about her emotional journey to discover her Nigerian roots.
“I am just flattered and honored and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more color so I can fit in with all of you and your incredible fashion!” Meghan told the crowd, per People magazine.
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“I am very overwhelmed. So I want to start by saying thank you very much for just how gracious you’ve all been in welcoming my husband and I to this country,” she continued, pausing briefly to the applause before adding, “My country.”