Harry and Meghan source insists ‘Nigeria tour not attempt to highlight gaps in Royal Family’s work’

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry received a lot of attention on their whirlwind tour of Nigeria, but one source has insisted the trip wasn’t a dig at the Royal Family

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were accused of “playing the royal card” on their trip to Nigeria, but a source has now slammed the claim as false.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the African country over the weekend and took part in a number of charity events. They also met with key figures and delivered some very poignant speeches.

While many fans praised the trip, the couple also faced criticism over claims they were using their appearance to snub the Royal Family. However, a source has insisted that isn’t the case.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a quick trip to Nigeria (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to People magazine, the source said the Nigeria tour was “not an attempt to highlight any perceived gaps in the Royal Family’s workload, which is currently affected not only by Harry and Meghan’s absence but also King Charles’ and Kate Middleton’s cancer treatments.”

The monarch was diagnosed with cancer back in February, while Princess Kate announced her diagnosis in March following a planned abdominal surgery. Harry and Meghan issued a supportive statement following Kate’s diagnosis.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex seemed to have a great time in Nigeria as they worked to promote the Invictus Games. Harry said he was “very happy” to be in Africa, which is a “very special place” to him.

The Duke of Sussex has spoken about the Nigerian tour (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Harry first visited Africa when he was a teenager. During a speech at a charity event last month, he said: “I first went there when I was 12, 13 years old, and after so many years, I wanted to give back to it because it had given me so much.

“The vast open space, the cultures, the community, the people, the wildlife, just the freedom was a huge piece of why I loved Africa so much.” Speaking to People, he said he and Meghan want to “focus on the things that mean so much to us. And being able to be on the ground, to us, is what it’s all about.”

Meghan agreed and added: “It’s really meaningful. Just being able to connect to people… That’s what makes it special.”