A resurfaced video from Meghan and Harry’s Nigeria visit in May 2024 has sparked fresh scrutiny, showing the Duchess seemingly ignoring her husband’s nudges as they posed for a group photo.
The clip, now making rounds online, captures an awkward moment where Harry attempts to stand beside Meghan—only to be left standing behind her as she remains firmly in the center of the frame.
The encounter has reignited discussions about the shifting power dynamic between the couple, with royal watchers drawing comparisons to their now-infamous Time magazine cover from 2021, in which Harry was positioned behind Meghan’s shoulder.
A Royal Tour in Everything But Name
Though unofficial, the Nigeria trip bore all the hallmarks of a royal tour. The couple was met with fanfare, treated as dignitaries, and even played a ceremonial role, with Meghan receiving the honorary title of Ada Mazi from the Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom.
Despite the trip being linked to the Invictus Games, critics noted how quickly it became the Sussex Show. At one event, as British and Nigerian anthems played, some attendees mistakenly referred to Meghan as “Princess Meghan”—a title she does not hold but appeared to appreciate.
The Moment That Stole the Spotlight
It was during one of these high-profile moments—after a reception for military families at the Nigerian Defense Headquarters Officers Mess in Abuja—that the now-viral photo incident occurred. Footage shows Meghan standing center-stage as representatives arranged themselves for a group photo. When Harry attempted to position himself beside her, she remained still, causing him to linger awkwardly behind. A nearby representative even scooted over to make room, but Meghan did not reciprocate.
Harry, looking less than pleased, sported what some have described as a scowl, while Meghan beamed throughout.
This moment, while brief, has fueled speculation about Meghan’s preference for the spotlight, with some interpreting it as another example of her tendency to take center stage.
The Sussexes’ Carefully Orchestrated Visit
While the Nigeria trip was framed as a cultural and charitable endeavor, it was clear that the couple sought to control their image. Media access was tightly restricted, with only one reporter and one photographer allowed full access—presumably hand-picked for favorable coverage.
Kinsey Schofield, a royal commentator, noted that the couple arrived late to several engagements and often spoke more about themselves than the veterans they were there to support. “These are the types of PR errors a palace courtier would have managed and avoided,” she remarked.
A ‘Presidential’ Feel—And Political Ambitions?
Some commentators observed that the Nigeria trip had an air of a political campaign rather than a royal engagement. With Meghan receiving grand titles, speaking to dignitaries, and even being given a Nigerian name—Adetokunbo, meaning “royalty from a foreign land”—speculation grew that she could be laying the groundwork for future political aspirations.
A Taste for the Spotlight
The Nigeria tour was reportedly just the beginning of Meghan and Harry’s self-styled royal ventures. In August 2024, the couple embarked on another international trip—this time to Colombia—where they were, once again, received with a royal-like welcome.
And they don’t seem to be stopping there. Reports have surfaced that Ghana is the frontrunner for their next major visit, with high-ranking dignitaries and politicians eager to host them.
With Meghan at the forefront of these unofficial royal tours, some wonder whether Harry will continue playing second fiddle—or if, next time, there will be space for him in the center of the frame.
