Prince Harry recently returned to the UK as he flew to London and attended a celebration for the Invictus Games but his wife Meghan Markle decided to stay home. The Duchess of Sussex instead joined the royal on a memorable tour of Nigeria.
Loose Women star Jane Moore addressed the Sussexes trip to Nigeria last month as she offered her verdict on the Duchess not returning to the UK.
The columnist admitted Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s tour brought back vivid memories of when she accompanied King Charles and the late Princess Diana on a royal press trip to the same country in March 1990.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the West African nation after being invited by its military for the three-day trip. It marked 10 years of the Invictus Games, which Nigeria joined for the first time last year.
Prince Harry heard about the work of a charity which organises basketball camps for children in Africa, and played a game with students. In addition, the Sussexes visited a secondary school and the couple were welcomed to the State Governor House in Nigeria’s most populous city, among taking part in an array of other activities.
Writing in her recent column for The Sun, Jane admitted Meghan’s “charm” was reminiscent of Princess Diana.
Loose Women star Jane Moore addressed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s trip to Nigeria (Image: GETTY)
She wrote: “Watching Meghan charm the crowds in Nigeria brought back memories of the time when, as part of the royal press pack, I accompanied Charles and Diana there in March 1990.
“One shows her lighting up the room at a women’s festival in Lagos with her easy-going manner and ability to make everyone she spoke to feel special.”
Addressing the Princess of Wales she went on: “She was a force of nature and, although Charles was the heir apparent, he was very much in her shadow.
“It’s the same story with Harry and Meghan who, however much her recollections now vary, was welcomed by the British public with open arms.”
Jane delivered a ten-word verdict since Meghan chose to leave the UK, adding: “It remains a great shame that she didn’t stick around.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Nigeria last month
Princess Diana went on a royal tour of Nigeria in 1990 (Image: Getty)
Harry and Meghan decided to step back from their royal duties in 2020 and officially stepped down the following year, with the couple relocating to Montecito, California.
They have made very few return trips to the UK since their move, with Meghan last seen in Britain at the late Queen’s funeral in 2022.
It has since been reported they are considering splitting their time between the US and the UK in what could be the start of a royal reconciliation.
Earlier this week, it was suggested that the Duke of Sussex started looking into finding a home in Britain that he and his wife could keep for visiting instead of having to check into hotels each time.
Meanwhile, King Charles will be attending the Trooping the Colour on Saturday (June 15).
Prince Harry and Meghan last attended Trooping the Colour in 2019 – before they quit royal life and moved to the United States. A commentator says there is an “open invitation” for Harry to attend royal events such as Trooping the Colour.
