Prince Harry and Meghan ‘are NOT representing the UK Government’ on Nigeria trip, British High Commissioner confirms

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not represent the British government during their trip to Nigeria, the British High Commissioner has confirmed.

The Sussexes landed in Abuja this morning for their 72-hour whistle stop tour after flying in together following a secret reunion in London.

The visit is primarily to promote the Invictus Games, but many observers have noted its similarity to a traditional royal tour.

However, because the couple is no longer part of the royal family, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, is keen to dispel illusions that they are on official business.

“It is wonderful that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defense Headquarters,” he said in comments from the US Department of Defense. News Agency of Nigeria.

‘But they come in a personal capacity, not officially. The British High Commission is therefore not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme. They do not represent the work of His Majesty’s Government on this visit.”

Since the couple are no longer senior royals, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, is keen to dispel illusions that they are on official business.

Harry and Meghan flew to Nigeria overnight with British Airways, with their plane slightly delayed after the scheduled pilot fell ill and a replacement had to be arranged.

The couple, who were visiting Nigeria together for the first time, sat in the first class section of the Boeing 777 and were separated from other passengers by a curtain.

It comes after Harry said it was ‘great’ to be back in Britain this week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

The Duke had been in London since Tuesday to attend events related to the match, including a thanksgiving service.

Upon arriving in Nigeria just before 5am today, other travelers were stopped while the couple was being escorted out. They exchanged smiles with the cabin crew as they departed.

Nigerian officials met them at the airport, Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International, and they were taken to the jetty through a side door and put into a waiting, darkened minibus.

Meghan wore black trousers and a brown jacket, while Harry trailed in a black jacket and trousers and an open-necked shirt.

Harry and Markle walk down the steps of a British Airways plane at Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Nigeria early this morning, shortly after landing

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, pictured this morning in Abuja, sat in the first class section of the Boeing 777 flight and were separated from other passengers by a curtain

Aides carried their luggage and they were accompanied by the same security team that had been with Harry during his recent stay in London.

The couple were said to be staying at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, where the presidential suit costs £600 per night.

Set in picturesque landscaped gardens in the heart of the Nigerian capital, the hotel features a restaurant, swimming pool and spa. It is popular with expats and diplomats.

It is also close to the Nigerian Defense Headquarters where the couple will have their first meeting with General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defense Staff, at 12 noon.

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau told MailOnline: ‘They will be tired after their journey so they will rest and then the first battle will be at 12pm at Defense Headquarters.

“They will then travel to Kaduna to meet wounded soldiers at a military hospital before returning to Abuja for other assignments.”

The Duke of Sussex plays matches at a Scotty’s Little Soldiers event in London yesterday

The visit is primarily to promote the Invictus Games and comes after Harry met the Nigerian team and General Musa at last year’s competition in Dusseldorf, Germany.

It was there that he told the audience that Meghan was “advocating for Team Nigeria” after discovering her heritage from the West African nation.

Harry and Meghan visit Nigeria at the invitation of General Christopher Musa.

The couple must visit a school before the Duke meets wounded soldiers in a military hospital.

They will also attend a training for charity Nigeria: Unconquered, which partners with the Invictus Games, and a reception honoring military families.

Prince Harry’s team were pictured outside the Windsor Suite at Heathrow Airport yesterday