Prince Harry and Meghan Markle flash huge smiles as they land in Nigeria after Royal Family’s ‘snub’ in UK

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been pictured in Nigeria as they begin their three-day visit, following Harry’s brief trip to the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have started their three-day visit to Nigeria. Harry and Meghan arrived in the west African country today, Friday 10 May, on the invitation of the chief of defence staff.

The couple have been pictured during a visit to meet students at the Lights Academy in Abuja, with the pair seen beaming and smiling.

The couple also spoke about mental health while at the school as Harry, 39, said: “In some places around the world, more than you would believe, there is a stigma against mental health. Too many people don’t want to talk about it because it’s invisible, it’s in your mind and we can’t see it.

“But guess what, every single person in this room, the youngest, the oldest, every single person has mental health. So therefore, you have to look after yourself in order to be able to help other people, other people have to look after themselves in order to be able to look after you. That’s the way it works.”

Prince Harry and Meghan visit children at the Lights Academy in Abuja, Nigeria
Prince Harry and Meghan visit children at the Lights Academy in Abuja, Nigeria (Image: AP)
Harry and Meghan beamed at each other as they kicked off their trip
Harry and Meghan beamed at each other as they kicked off their trip (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
He added: “There is no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day. Okay? If you woke up this morning feeling sad, if you left school feeling stressed, if you’ve lost a loved one in your family who you usually turn to or speak to, all of these things you may be led to believe are not for conversation. We are here today to tell you that that is not the case.

“Every single one of those things is completely normal. It is a human reaction, whether it’s grief, stress, whatever the feeling is, it comes from experiences you have had.”

Harry will later meet injured service members at a military hospital. They will also attend a training session for charity organisation Nigeria: Unconquered, which collaborates with the Invictus Games, as well as a reception where military families will be honoured.

Harry and Meghan look at people dancing as they arrive at the Lightway Academy in Abuja
Harry and Meghan look at people dancing as they arrive at the Lightway Academy in Abuja (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Meghan clapped as Harry took part in activities
Meghan clapped as Harry took part in activities (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Meghan is then due to co-host an event of Women in Leadership with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-general of the World Trade Organisation.

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It comes after Harry celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Wednesday, 8 May.

Harry was joined for the service of thanksgiving by close relatives of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, but none of the Royal Family. The service to recognise the Paralympic-style competition the royal founded began as a few miles away King Charles hosted the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the year.

Meghan looked beautiful as she and Harry started their three day trip to Nigeria
Meghan looked beautiful as she and Harry started their three day trip to Nigeria (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Charles and Harry did not meet during his UK visit due to the King’s “full programme”, the duke’s spokesman confirmed in a statement soon after he arrived in the UK.

Harry also did not see his older brother William during his visit.

Meghan didn’t join Harry on his trip to the UK, but they are reported to have reunited at Heathrow Airport, with Meghan having landed on Thursday from Los Angeles.

Following Prince Harry’s appearance at the Invictus Games ceremony, a body language explained the Duke appeared “confident”. Speaking on behalf of Betfair Bingo, body language expert Darren Stanton analysed his appearance.

A body language said Prince Harry appeared “confident” during his trip back to the UK
A body language said Prince Harry appeared “confident” during his trip back to the UK
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex greets well-wishers
Prince Harry did not meet any of the Royal Family while in the UK but was cheered by fans outside St Paul’s Cathedral (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
He shared: “Harry is in a good place and it’s telling us he is genuinely interested and enthusiastic about being back in the UK. From what we can see, Harry wants to do the right thing. He’s displaying signals that tell us he wants to make people proud.

“It’s also suggesting he’s feeling confident being back in the UK for the Invictus Games. He isn’t displaying signs of nervousness or unease. He’s feeling comfortable and strong being back on his home soil.”

Harry interacted with members fo the public, with some shouting “we love you” at the Prince. He shook hands and smiled for cameras.

Darren said of the interaction: “When we see Harry interacting with the public, it’s telling us he’s in a place of comfort, resilience and strength. He isn’t fazed by anything else going on. He was present in the moment and focused all his attention on them. This demonstrates he is in a great place with himself.”