Meghan Markle has been christened with a fresh two-word moniker as her ‘mini Royal tour’ seems largely focused on the Duchess.
The visit to Nigeria by Meghan and Prince Harry piqued interest, leading to the Duchess being bestowed with an endearing nickname.
They embarked on a three-day trip to Nigeria, coined a ‘mini Royal tour’ and, according to Dr Pauline Maclaran of Royal Holloway University of London, the limelight was primarily cast on Meghan because of her heritage.
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In conversation with the Express, Dr Maclaran revealed: “The visit seems to have gone exceptionally well with the Sussexes receiving very positive feedback from their participation in various events that have all been pretty high profile.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“There seems to have been great delight in Meghan’s revelation that she is 43% Nigerian and fans there are now referring to her as Nigeria’s ‘new princess’.”
Since its creation in 2014, Prince Harry has been responsible for the Invictus Games. As it marks its decade-long journey, Nigeria is contemplating hosting the event, leading to Harry receiving an invite to visit the African nation.
While both Royals were warmly welcomed in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, the reception of Meghan was perhaps livelier, suggested Dr Maclaran, hinting that the tour seemed all about Meghan, reports the Mirror.
Indeed, Meghan’s ties to Nigeria were a significant talking point, particularly when she referred to it as “my country,” observed Dr Maclaran.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Before their visit, there was conjecture that the journey would resemble an official Royal tour, and according to the expert, that’s precisely what happened.
Dr Maclaran commented: “I think it did come across rather like a royal tour. With all the different components of their tour in addition to the Invictus purpose of their visit, it was hard not to draw this comparison.”
A specific incident piqued Dr Maclaran’s interest. “This was especially so, however, when the British national anthem was played for them at a charity event with Nigerian military personnel saluting them,” she remarked.
The Nigerians were incredibly “accepting” of the Sussexes, with “the stage decked out with red, white and blue balloons,” and chairs labelled Duke and Duchess, “which emphasised the royal aspects,” Dr Maclaran added.
The defining moment came “when Meghan was addressed as Princess Meghan at another event,” according to the historian and professor.
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