The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, have arrived at ‘The Delborough Lagos’ in Victoria Island, Lagos State, as part of their visit to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games and mental health awareness.
During their visit, they are scheduled to have lunch with prominent Nigerians at the luxury hotel, which is one of the highlights of their tour in Nigeria.
Prior to their arrival in Lagos, the royal couple met with Nigerian businessman and owner of ‘The Delborough Lagos’, Dr. Uzochukwu Stanley, in Abuja.
Their visit to Nigeria includes promoting the Invictus Games, with Prince Harry participating in a seated volleyball match with Nigerian Army veterans who were wounded in battle against the country’s Islamist insurgents.
The match took place at an Officer’s Mess complex in Abuja, where Harry’s team, dressed in yellow, competed against a team led by Nigeria’s chief of defence staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.
The royal couple’s visit to Nigeria, their first to the West African nation, was at the invitation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
They began their visit by going to Lightway Academy, which is supported by their Archewell Foundation and trains young girls affected by conflicts in Nigeria.
They also attended an inaugural mental health summit organized by the local non-profit GEANCO, which partners with their Foundation, where they were warmly received by a dancing troupe and a crowd of excited students and teachers.
“We’ve got to acknowledge those amazing dance moves!” Meghan said. “My husband was excited to jump up!”
After being greeted by the dancing troupe and excited crowd, Prince Harry and Meghan went into the classrooms at Lightway Academy to interact with the students. The students showcased robot cars they had built, demonstrating their creativity and technological skills.
During their interaction, the royal couple discussed mental health with the students, emphasizing its importance.
They also shared stories about their own children, Archie and Lilibet, further engaging with the young audience and highlighting their commitment to supporting youth education and mental well-being.
“In some cases around the world … there is a stigma when it comes to mental health. Too many people don’t want to talk about it,” Harry said. “So will you promise to us that after today, no more being scared, no more being unsure of mental health?”
Meghan praised her husband’s openness.
“You see why I’m married to him?” she said of Harry amid cheers, before urging the schoolchildren to never be ashamed of their experiences in life. “It is a complete honour to have our first visit to Nigeria; be here with all of you. We believe in you. We believe in your future,” she said.
Student Nnenna Okorie expressed her excitement at meeting the royal couple, describing Meghan as “the prettiest human being ever.” Okorie, a senior student at the school, admires Meghan greatly and appreciates Harry’s supportive nature, “I love how he is so supportive,” she said.
Following their visit to Lightway Academy, Prince Harry and Meghan proceeded to Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, where they were warmly received by servicemen and their wives.
They then held a private meeting with Nigeria’s chief of defence staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, continuing their engagements during their visit to Nigeria.
