During their visit to Nigeria, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, adorned herself with a sentimental piece of jewelry – the necklace of Princess Diana, her late mother-in-law, graciously gifted to her by her husband, Prince Harry.
Reports revealed that Meghan elegantly showcased the delicate diamond cross necklace, previously owned by Princess Diana, at a reception for military families in Abuja on Saturday. Paired with a St. Agni white strapless linen dress and her hair elegantly swept up, Meghan’s attire accentuated the necklace, making it the focal point of the event.
The necklace, featuring a delicate diamond cross on a gold chain, was a recent gift from Harry to his wife and once belonged to Princess Diana, according to reports.
Throughout their visit, the royal couple engaged in various activities, including visiting a school and participating in a volleyball game with Nigerian soldiers.
At the reception held at the Defence Headquarters Officers Mess, Meghan received a warm welcome, with an official acknowledging her Nigerian heritage in their address. The chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, referred to Meghan as a Nigerian, eliciting applause from the crowd, which Meghan herself acknowledged with a smile and applause.
Meghan has previously shared on her podcast Archetypes that she discovered she is 43% Nigerian through a genealogy test. Throughout the trip, she expressed the deep connection she feels to the country.
Addressing Prince Harry, Dabiri-Erewa remarked, “Prince Harry, you married the best – our daughter, our friend, Princess Meghan. I hope you come back again, again, and again.”
In response, Meghan expressed her gratitude and honor, stating, “I am just flattered and honored and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more color so I can fit in with all of you and your incredible fashion! I am very overwhelmed. So I want to start by saying thank you very much for just how gracious you’ve all been in welcoming my husband and me to this country,” she added, pausing briefly before adding to the applause, “my country.”
On Saturday, Prince Harry visited Nigeria, coinciding exactly 68 years after his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, visited on February 2, 1959. The Queen was received by the late Premier of the defunct Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s visit to Nigeria aimed to promote the Invictus Games, an initiative founded by Prince Harry to support the rehabilitation of wounded and sick service members and veterans, including Nigerian soldiers engaged in a 14-year conflict against Islamic extremists.