Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's Next Trip Will Be In Ghana But Couple Needs 'An Excuse' For Visit, Royal Expert Says
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle need a reason if they make another unofficial "royal tour," according to a royal expert.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a three-day visit to Nigeria earlier this month. It drew comparisons with official royal tours and raised eyebrows among experts. However, a source recently told the Mirror that the couple is already planning their next tour stop -- Ghana.
"There is already a lot of talk and excitement in Ghana, everyone is so keen for Harry and Meghan to come and experience the great culture and warmth," the insider said. "Several top names have already visited Ghana in recent years: from Ed Sheeran to Naomi Campbell and One Direction's Liam Payne."
Royal commentator and expert Richard Fitzwilliams weighed in on the rumored Ghana visit. According to him, Prince Harry and Markle might need a concrete reason for the visit.
"They would surely need an excuse, their security in Nigeria was provided by the Government and the visit was linked to the Invictus Games, which Nigeria participates in and reportedly is keen to host, but Ghana does not. Nor has Meghan Ghanaian ancestry," Fitzwilliams said.
He added that "another quasi-royal tour might make the Sussexes objects of mockery." Prince Harry and Markle's Nigerian trip was considered by many as a big success. But it also raised eyebrows because many felt it was like a royal tour when they visited the country as private citizens.
"They only lasted less than two years as senior working royals. It was originally thought that they would be ideally suited to tours especially those with Commonwealth links and some of their patronages, bestowed by Queen Elizabeth, reflected this. However, they chose to walk away," Fitzwilliams continued. "Returning on their terms, but without a purpose, would be meaningless."
King Charles and Prince William were reportedly not pleased with the Sussexes' visit to Nigeria, and they allegedly didn't like it one bit. The British monarch and Prince of Wales reportedly felt that Prince Harry and Markle would not accept they were no longer working royals based on their recent trip to the African nation.
"William is absolutely furious and determined to find a way to stop this happening in [the] future. Charles is said to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him," Tom Quinn, royal biographer and commentator, told the Mirror.
"What's really upset the applecart is the fact that that the Nigerians treated Meghan and Harry as if they too thought this was an official tour -- all the signs were there as the couple were greeted with dances, receptions, visits to schools and charities."
