Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embarked on a three-day journey in Nigeria, commencing their trip on May 10 with a visit to a school in the capital city of Abuja, where they participated in a mental health summit.
Receiving a warm reception from the Igbo ethnic group, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted with vibrant drum performances. During the summit’s first day, Harry addressed the issue of mental health stigma, while Markle expressed her pride in his advocacy.
Speaking at the event, Harry emphasized the importance of self-care in addressing mental health challenges. He stated, “In some cases around the world, in more than you would believe, there is a stigma when it comes to mental health.” He further encouraged individuals to acknowledge their struggles and seek support when needed.
Following Harry’s speech, Meghan took the stage and praised her husband’s candidness on mental health. “You see why I’m married to him?,” she remarked, adding, “It’s so inspiring because he speaks the truth.”
Meghan Markle also delivered a message to the students, urging them not to suffer in silence. “Every single one of you has a story… Even on the hardest days or darkest days, everything is a pillar of your strength by each of you being there,” she conveyed, emphasizing the importance of open communication about mental health challenges.
During their visit, the couple interacted with a kindergarten class, where Meghan mentioned that their son Archie recently celebrated his fifth birthday.
On the first day of their visit, Meghan opted for a loose-fitting peach-colored maxi dress by Heidi Merrick, complemented with gold jewelry and a watch, while Harry wore a matching white shirt and pants.