Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's landmark Nigeria visit
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are visiting Nigeria for the first time, embarking on an unofficial royal tour years after quitting the monarchy.
The duchess' style has been a hot topic ever since they touched down, especially now that the eye-watering cost of some of her outfits has been revealed.
Keep reading to learn all about their landmark visit and see the jaw-dropping prices of some of Meghan's looks.
Friday, May 10: Lights Academy visit
Harry and Meghan's visit to Nigeria kicked off with a trip to the Lights Academy in Abuja, where they met with local children and watched a cultural performance.
The purpose of their pseudo-royal tour is to champion mental health for young people affected by conflicts and to promote the Invictus Games, which Harry established in 2014.
It's the first time the pair have travelled to the West African nation, and they were invited by the Nigerian military.
Harry and Meghan have ties to several African nations, having holidayed in Botswana several times, and taking son Archie on his first (and only) royal tour to South Africa in 2019.
Nigeria is also special to the duchess, as she has said in the past that a genealogy test suggested that she was 43 per cent Nigerian.
Meghan wore a US$2,093 (approx. $3,170 AUD) blush-hued 'Windsor' Silk Noil Dress by California designer Heidi Merrick for the school visit.
"She is the prettiest human being ever," Student Nnenna Okorie told reporters of the duchess. "I admire her so much and then Harry. I love how he is so supportive."
The couple were all smiles as they took time to meet with some of the youngest pupils at Lights Academy.
It's understood that Harry and Meghan left their two young children Archie, five, and Lilibet, two, at home in the US rather than brining them along for the trip.
"Our daughter, Lili, she's much, much tinier than you guys. She's about to turn three. And a few weeks ago she looked at me and she would just see the reflection in my eyes. And she [goes], 'Mama, I see me in you,' " Meghan shared with the children.
"Oh, now she was talking really literally. But I hung onto those words in a very different way. And I thought, yes, I do see me in you, and you see me in you."
Friday, May 10: Defence Headquarters visit
Later that day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria at the Defence Headquarters.
Meghan changed into a classy white Altuzarra pantsuit for the meeting, pairing it with her favourite Manolo Blahnik in brown suede.
The duchess was also seen wearing the later Princess Diana's iconic gold Cartier Tank watch and a US$15,600 (approx. $23,621 AUD) Aurate New York necklace.
According to statista, the average annual income in Nigeria in 2022 was US$2,160 (approx. $3,270 AUD).
Saturday, May 11: Meghan's Women in Leadership event
The Duchess of Sussex subtly followed in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, when she co-hosted a Women in Leadership event in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11.
She wore a vibrant red dress by the brand Orire, which is "ethically designed and crafted in Lagos, Nigeria" and retails for just NGN 151,200 (approx. $153 AUD). It currently appears to be sold out.
"It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colour so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion," she told the crowd.
Diana made a very similar appearance when she visited Nigeria more than 30 years ago, during a royal visit with then-husband Prince Charles in 1990. She's pictured here with Maryam Babangida, the wife of the President of Nigeria at the time.
She attended the 'Better Life For Rural Dwellers Women's Fair' in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos to connect with local women and support their interests.
Like Meghan, she paid homage to Nigerian fashion in a printed blouse and colourful belt, though the Duchess of Sussex took it a step further by wearing a dress by a local designer.
Saturday, May 11: Exhibition sitting volleyball
Prince Harry got hands on with local kids as he took part in a sitting volleyball match in Abuja. Perhaps this is what the couple's royal tours would have looked like, had they not quit the monarchy in 2020.
"I felt 'this is what it could have been,' these two who are enormously appealing to the public and who are very good at it," Royal author Tina Brown told BBC.
"What a pity it is they've gone."
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