Meghan Markle will not be accompanying Prince Harry to an Invictus Games anniversary service in London on May 8, but will join him for a visit to Nigeria later in the month. The reasons for Meghan’s absence from the service at St. Paul’s Cathedral have not been disclosed, but her complex relationship with the U.K. and concerns about leaving her children may be contributing factors. The last time Meghan visited Britain publicly was in September 2022 during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, and before that was in the summer for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Royal correspondent Jack Royston discussed the upcoming visit on Newsweek’s The Royal Report podcast, noting that the service at St. Paul’s Cathedral may bring back negative memories for Meghan, as she and Harry were previously booed by royalists at a similar event. In contrast, Royston expects Meghan to receive a warm welcome in Nigeria, where the couple has accepted an invitation in connection with the Invictus Games. While Meghan has been a strong supporter of Invictus events, her decision to skip the anniversary service in Britain may be linked to personal peace, family concerns, or security issues.
Prince Harry’s legal battle to have government-funded bodyguards, which he lost when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020, is ongoing. While he receives security when visiting Britain, it is provided on a case-by-case basis depending on the reason for his visit. Harry and Meghan’s visit to Nigeria will likely involve cultural activities and events related to the Invictus Games, which Nigeria first competed in as a nation in 2023. Dates for their visit to Nigeria have not yet been confirmed.
Meghan may be opting for a guaranteed positive reception in Nigeria over the possibility of facing criticism in Britain, especially given her difficult experiences working for the monarchy and dealing with the British press. Additionally, the challenges of leaving her children behind for extended periods of time may be a factor in her decision. Harry’s fight to reinstate full-time security protection for his family continues, and the couple may feel that the country is not safe for them without guaranteed police protection. Their visit to Nigeria is expected to further showcase their support for the Invictus Games and connect with the local community.
