Prince Harry and Meghan Markle find themselves under scrutiny for embarking on a tour to Nigeria, a move that has drawn comparisons to the royal tours they once derided. Despite their previous criticism of traditional royal engagements, the California-based couple is now set to undertake a journey that mirrors the very behavior they once mocked.
Royal expert Rebecca English notes the irony in Harry and Meghan’s decision to undertake a tour, a practice they once disparaged. Their upcoming trip to Nigeria, characterized by cultural events and Invictus activities, echoes the very “quasi-royal” behavior they once condemned.
The timing of the tour, immediately following Prince Harry’s visit to the U.K., raises eyebrows and suggests a desire to outshine the senior members of the British royal family. The choice of Nigeria as a destination is particularly striking, given Meghan and Harry’s previous characterization of the Commonwealth as “Empire 2.0” in their Netflix docuseries.
‘Only Working Royals Do Tours’: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Mocked for ‘Mimicking Royal Behavior’ They Once Slammed for Upcoming Nigeria Trip https://t.co/LG0dQDkHAK Click the image for details:
— TheRoyalObserver (@Royal__Observer) May 3, 2024
Despite their critical stance on traditional royal engagements, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not shied away from capitalizing on their royal status. Their lucrative deal with Netflix, reportedly worth $100 million, has seen the couple produce various projects, including docuseries and specials focusing on diversity and inclusion.
However, their foray into the world of streaming has been met with mixed success, with some projects failing to resonate with audiences as anticipated. Despite their efforts to carve out a new path outside of the royal family, Harry and Meghan continue to navigate the complexities of balancing their personal beliefs with their public image.
The invitation extended to Harry and Meghan by the Nigerian government highlights the continued relevance of the ex-working royals on the global stage. As they prepare to embark on their tour, the scrutiny surrounding their actions serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in navigating their post-royal lives.
As details of their trip to Nigeria emerge, the public remains divided on the motivations behind Harry and Meghan’s decision to undertake a tour reminiscent of the royal engagements they once criticized. Whether their actions are seen as a genuine attempt to engage with global issues or as a calculated move to maintain relevance in the public eye, the royal couple’s journey continues to captivate attention and spark debate.
