Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Nigeria tour bombshells - from Royal Family anger to heartbreak

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spending time in Nigeria on what has been dubbed a "mini royal tour", but some parts of the trip have raised eyebrows.

The couple are said to have annoyed Prince William and King Charles with the trip, with royal expert Jennie Bond explaining how they are "of the belief that you are either in or out of the working royals". Meghan also snubbed the Royal Family as she returned to the UK before flying to Nigeria, but chose not to reunite with The Firm.

The Sussexes are expected to return to America later today following a whirlwind 72 hours in Nigeria.

Ahead of their return home, the Mirror took a look at some of the biggest bombshells from their trip.

Royal Family annoyance

With Harry and Meghan's Nigeria trip being referred to as an unofficial royal tour, one expert has suggested the term would not have "pleased" King Charles or Prince William. Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! magazine: "The King and Prince William are firmly of the belief that you are either in or out of the working royals.

"This seems to be a rather strange halfway house. I think both the King and the Prince, and indeed the Government, will want it to be made clear that Harry is not representing either the Royal Family or Britain on this trip."

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has clarified that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's visit to Nigeria is not on behalf of the UK. He stated: "It's great that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defence Headquarters. But they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one."

In conversation with the News Agency of Nigeria, Richard further explained: "So, the British High Commission is not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme. They are not representing the work of His Majesty's Government on this visit."

Wardrobe change

During her time in Nigeria, Meghan co-hosted a panel on Women in Leadership, where she confessed to altering her wardrobe to better blend in with the local style.

At the event, Meghan dazzled in a red maxi dress designed by Nigerian designer Orire, which was both ethical and affordable, costing under £230. She shared that her choice to wear the vibrant dress was made at the eleventh hour.

Meghan disclosed: "It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colour so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion."

Despite separating from Prince Harry to attend the Women in Leadership event, Meghan's arrival was delayed by an hour. Nevertheless, her fervent address appeared to compensate for any inconvenience caused.

She expressed her gratitude, saying: "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... my country. I am just flattered and honoured and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived."

Venturing into 'unsafe' territory

It is understood that Harry left Meghan in Abuja while he visited a hospital in an area considered "unsafe" by the UK government. Reports suggest he travelled 120 miles to the Kaduna hospital on Saturday.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warns on its website: "FCDO advises against all travel to Kaduna State". The official guidance from the UK Government also cautions: "Banditry and violent attacks are frequent and there is a high threat of kidnap. Incidents of intercommunal violence occur and trains are vulnerable to attack. If you're travelling in the north-west against FCDO advice, be extremely cautious and monitor local media."

Accompanied by a security team reportedly consisting of four members, Harry paid a visit to the hospital and engaged with Nigerian soldiers who have been injured in the conflict with the insurgent group Boko Haram. Many have endured ambushes or suffered due to bomb blasts.

Meghan's heartbreak

Meghan experienced a poignant moment as she was unable to celebrate Mother's Day with her children, Archie and Lilibet. Although the UK marked Mother's Day earlier in the year, the US observes it on the second Sunday of May.

While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on the visit to Nigeria, it is understood that their children are being looked after by Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. Meghan has openly expressed her joy about motherhood during the trip.

At the panel on women's leadership, she shared: "Being a mom has always been a dream of mine and I'm so fortunate that we have two beautiful, healthy, very chatty, sweet children. I love being a mom."

Low-key return to UK

In a separate development, Meghan made a low-key return to the UK without joining Prince Harry for the Invictus Games' 10th-anniversary celebrations. Before heading to Nigeria, the couple had a brief layover in London, where they stayed at Heathrow's exclusive Windsor Suite.

Despite being in Britain, Meghan did not meet with any Royal Family members. Similarly, Harry received no public support from the Royals during a thanksgiving service for the Invictus Games at St Paul's Cathedral.

Late arrival

Meghan separated from Harry to co-host the Women in Leadership event. She was an an hour late for the session, but her passionate speech made sure there was no resentment among the audience.

She said: "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... my country. I am just flattered and honoured and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived."

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