Prince Harry and Meghan Markle slammed for not singing national anthem on Nigeria trip

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry completed a number of engagements during their time in Nigeria, including a reception in honour of Nigeria: Unconquered and military families

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been slammed as “embarrassing” for their failure to sing the British national anthem during their time in Nigeria.

The couple visited the African country to promote the Invictus Games. During the trip, they met with injured servicemen and took part in fundraising events. While many fans praised the trip, critics blasted the Sussexes for “playing the royal card”, despite stepping down from the Royal Family four years ago.

At a reception to honour military families, the British national anthem was played – something former royal butler Paul Burrell has explained is only done on royal visits. Meghan and Harry caused controversy at the event as they decided not to sing along.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stayed quiet as the national anthem played (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Paul Burrell was shocked by the move (Image: Sunday Mirror)

During an appearance on GB News, Paul said: “This was not a royal visit. At royal visits, they play the national anthem. Why was the national anthem played at their visit?

“It wasn’t a royal visit, they didn’t sing the words to it. I’m not sure Meghan knows all the words to it. I’m sure Harry does. But they didn’t. And why didn’t they? And why did they play the national anthem?

“You know, I just think it’s a mess.” Paul was then showed a clip of the moment Harry and Meghan didn’t sing along. He said: “Isn’t that embarrassing? It’s not only embarrassing for them, it’s embarrassing for the world and certainly embarrassing for our country. I just don’t get it.”

Paul suggested the Nigeria trip was a “massive photo opportunity” for Harry and Meghan and a chance for the couple to “bolster their flagging image”. He accused the couple of using their Royal Family connections to stay relevant on the trip.

However, the former butler pointed out Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals and “do not represent the King, or our country”. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior working royals four years ago.

They’ve have since become estranged from the Royal Family and have issued a number of scathing attacks against the royals. In Harry’s debut memoir Spare, he opened up about his estrangement from his brother Prince William and branded his stepmother Queen Camilla “wicked”.