Prince Harry's 'appalling' comment on 'in-laws' as he's 'desperate to find a family'


Social media users have vilified Prince Harry for his 'appalling' remarks about 'in-laws', amidst his rift with Meghan Markle's family.

The controversy followed the Prince's comments during a visit to the Lagos State Government House in Nigeria that he and Meghan were invited to on Sunday.

Their journey was widely perceived as successful, and Meghan even garnered the title of "new princess" of Nigeria, following discussions she had with locals about her DNA test results that showed a 43% Nigerian origin.

Whilst there, Meghan was bestowed the title Ada Mazi, a term of respect translating to "daughter of an aristocrat", which holds significance in the Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom.

Three kings, His Eminence Engr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom, Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha and Great Olu Of Warri Kingdom, all participated in the ceremony. At the event, Harry, 39, gave a speech in which he referred to those present as his "in-laws".

The Duke of Sussex declared: "I'll skip the protocol because at this point we're all family. Thank you for welcoming my wife and myself to Nigeria."

He went on to say this was their "first visit" but "certainly" it would not be their last, reports the Mirror.

Harry expressed his gratitude during the event, saying: "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."

Meghan also took the opportunity to speak, revealing her heartfelt feelings to the crowd: "I'm missing my babies."

She continued, addressing the attendees with sincerity: "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."

However, Harry's remarks ignited a flurry of debate on social media, with some questioning his choice of words when referring to the audience as "in-laws", given his unfamiliarity with them prior to the visit.

Critics highlighted that despite calling the audience his "in-laws", he is estranged from Meghan's father, Thomas Markle Sr, and her half-siblings, Samantha and Thomas Jr.

A social media user commented on platform X: "He is so desperate to find a family that he's willing to go above and beyond, journey people his in-laws he has in-laws. He has a father-in-law is a mother-in-law, and he has a stepsister and step-brother-in-law. Oh yeah, he disowned everybody."

Another detractor remarked: "Harry, traitor to his own family, hasn't even met his actual father-in-law, who has begged to see him, Meghan, and his grandchildren. This is truly appalling."

Another added: "He has lost the plot."

Yet, others argued that Harry meant it humorously and defended the duke. One person noted: "Prince Harry thanking his Nigerian 'in-laws' is the cutest thing you'll hear today!"

Whilst another quipped: "I love how Harry acts like this is all Meghan related. This is as much about him as it is about his wife. #HarryandMeghanAreLoved."

A fan chimed in: "OMG. This is like a wedding. So sweet, so endearing, so genuine. A incredibly joyous and grateful couple. Archie and Lili will watch this one day. They will know they are children of Nigeria too, and feel so happy to be part of this amazing family."

One supporter added: "Harry again being treated better than his own father and brother treat him, who announced to the UK media they would snub him, won't see him, too busy, can't stay in any of our many castles/palaces. The Nigerians have embraced HandM like family."

Meghan isn't close to her father, who has yet to meet her spouse Harry and their two children. Back in September 2023, Thomas Markle slammed the Sussexes as "cruel" while pleading to see his grandchildren on live television.

He made an appearance on Good Morning Britain, discussing the possibility of mending his relationship with his daughter, expressing his desire to meet the youngsters with hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley.

Thomas expressed a burning desire to see his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet. Portraying it as "cruel" that he's prevented from seeing the kids, he implored for a reunion.

He said: "I'm very upset about it as well because this is a cruel thing to do to a grandparent ... To deny the right to see their grandchild."

He even shared about his ongoing health struggles and how he is handling his recovery after a stroke.

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