Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are scheduled to visit Nigeria in May for discussions regarding the Invictus Games, an initiative founded by Prince Harry to support the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans. Nigerian defense spokesman Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau confirmed this in a statement he released on Sunday.
Although the exact date of Prince Harry’s arrival in Africa has not been disclosed, it is expected to follow a service at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.
Nigeria, among other nations, participated in last year’s games, showcasing its commitment to supporting wounded veterans amidst its ongoing battle against Islamic extremists in the northeast region.
Inspired by the Warrior Games in the United States, the Invictus Games, initiated by Prince Harry in 2014, provide wounded veterans with the opportunity to participate in sports events akin to the Paralympics.
Having served in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter copilot gunner in 2012-2013, Prince Harry has been a staunch advocate for veterans in need of support.
During his visit to Nigeria, Prince Harry will engage in cultural activities and discussions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s involvement in the Invictus Games, with potential considerations for hosting the event in the future, according to Brig. Gen. Gusau.
In a recent Netflix series documenting the games, Prince Harry candidly discussed his struggles upon returning home from combat and the emotional impact triggered by his experiences, which he had suppressed since the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, at a young age.
The prince’s forthcoming visit to Nigeria underscores his ongoing dedication to raising awareness about veterans’ challenges and promoting dialogue on mental health and rehabilitation support, amid his well-documented public struggles with his own mental well-being and familial dynamics within the royal family.