Royal fans are split over what Meghan Markle said after getting a new “title” after her tour of Nigeria with Prince Harry. As the country in West Africa celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex went there last month to support mental health programs for soldiers and give young people more power.
The Olowo of Owo, who is the Yoruba King of Owo, gave Meghan the traditional Yoruba name Adetokunbo while she was on her trip. The title, which means “the crown returns from over the sea,” refers to a king who comes home from a faraway place.
A Moving Honor
After this, the princess sent out an emotional letter thanking everyone and talking about her ties to Nigeria. “Thank you for making me feel welcome in Nigeria,” she said. It means a lot to me that you gave me the traditional Yoruba name, Adetokunbo. Thank you for putting your trust in me to carry the name with respect and honor.
Meghan went into more detail about how important the visit was for her and her family. “Our trip to Nigeria was important for many reasons, but one of the most important was that it helped us learn more about my family history, which includes our children.” We can’t wait to get back home soon.”
Royal fans had a range of reactions.
Some royal fans didn’t like what Meghan said, though, while others fully backed Prince Harry’s wife. Social media quickly turned into a fight for ideas, showing how different royal fans’ views are.
One person on X (formerly Twitter) said, “I think it’s great that Meghan is embracing her Nigerian heritage.” It’s great to see someone in the press recognizing that representation is important. This opinion was shared by people who think Meghan’s recognition of her background is a good step toward acceptance and representation.
On the other hand, some people didn’t agree with her and thought her acts were questionable. Someone else didn’t agree: “Embracing? Nope. I’m just trying to be current.” Some people are skeptical of Meghan’s acts and see them as her trying to stay in the spotlight, as this comment shows.
Another, more critical voice said, “It’s good to know she loves Nigeria, her made-up home country from which she did not come.” If H is forced to leave the US, they can go back to Nigeria as planned, where she can get closer to her family of letter-writing kings and queens. This reaction shows a more aggressive view, calling Meghan’s truthfulness and authenticity into question.
Finally, a fourth response said, “Confident and humble people don’t need to brag about their titles.” This comment makes the subtle point that real humility and honor are shown through deeds, not words. It criticizes Meghan for announcing her new title in public.
The Bigger Picture
People’s different responses to Meghan’s new title and her subsequent statement show how closely people are watching and how different opinions are about the Sussexes. In the years since they stopped being royal in 2020, Meghan and Harry have gotten both praise and abuse from the people and the media. Even though they are still tied to their royal roots, their attempts to make a new road are still controversial and interesting.
Like many of their recent projects, the Nigeria tour was meant to bring attention to important causes and problems that were important to them. The couple’s focus on mental health and giving young people power is in line with their larger goal of service and advocacy. But the emotional parts of their journey, like Meghan’s acceptance of her Yoruba name, make their public story more complicated.
A Journey of Oneself
Meghan’s trip to Nigeria and getting the Yoruba name “Adetokunbo” seem to be very important to her. Her comment that Nigeria is “home” shows a deeper link than just a formality. This feeling is shared by many people who have felt the powerful effects of getting in touch with their roots and history.
In a world where identity and connection are changing quickly and in many ways, Meghan’s journey can be seen as a mirror of larger changes in society. It’s becoming more normal and praised to learn about your background, accept different ethnic identities, and be proud of these things in public.
