Britain’s Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, expressed his condolences on Saturday for the Nigerian soldiers who have lost their lives defending their country. He also spoke with excitement about a new center planned to help injured veterans recover.
Prince Harry is on a visit to Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, along with his wife Meghan. The trip is partly focused on the Invictus Games, a global sporting event for wounded and disabled military veterans that Harry himself founded ten years ago. Nigeria recently joined the Games in 2023.
During a reception for military families, Prince Harry spoke of visiting a hospital in northern Nigeria where he met 50 wounded soldiers. He acknowledged the challenges they face due to their injuries but also noted the resilience of some. “This visit reminded me of the incredible potential for a fulfilling life even after being injured,” he said, expressing his enthusiasm for the planned Invictus Center.
Prince Harry, a veteran himself who served as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, understands the struggles of wounded service members firsthand. He and Meghan currently live in the United States after stepping back from their official roles within the British royal family in 2020.
A Touch of Lightheartedness
The visit included a lighter moment. Abike Dabiri Erewa, a government official, drew laughter and applause from the crowd, particularly Meghan, when she jokingly declared, “Princess Meghan is a Nigerian!” This comment referenced a previous podcast where Meghan mentioned having Nigerian ancestry.
Earlier, Prince Harry even participated in a volleyball game, with Meghan cheering him on enthusiastically. The visit appears to be fostering goodwill and creating opportunities to discuss the importance of supporting veterans.
