Harry and Meghan arrived in Abuja, Nigeria today and the excitement was palpable. The visit to Nigeria not only marks their first official international tour since stepping back from their royal roles but also showcased their unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy and education.
Welcomed with open arms, Meghan and Harry were greeted by a vibrant display of local culture, including heartfelt performances and warm embraces.
The couple’s first stop at Lightway Academy in Abuja marked the commencement of a two-day mental health summit organized by the non-profit GEANCO, in collaboration with the couple’s own Archewell Foundation.
Speaking at the inaugural mental health summit, Meghan and Harry delivered powerful messages of encouragement and support to the students and staff gathered.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, Meghan took to the stage at the mental health summit, her words resonating with sincerity and empathy. Reflecting on her daughter Lili’s innocent observation, Meghan emphasized the importance of self-reflection and shared experiences. “I see myself in all of you as well,” she remarked, echoing a sentiment of unity and understanding.
She mentioned that “singing and dancing” was her daughter’s “favorite class,” probably because of “all the jumping around,” and that her son liked construction, as kids showed off their robotic projects in a STEM class.”
Joined by Harry, Meghan expressed gratitude for the warm reception, acknowledging the honor of their visit to Nigeria. With humility and passion, she encouraged openness and dialogue around mental health, emphasizing the value of self-care and mutual support. “There is no need to suffer in silence,” Meghan affirmed, her words a beacon of hope for those facing their own struggles.
She also spoke of her pride at visiting Nigeria.
“It is a complete honor to have our first visit to Nigeria,” she said. “Be here with all of you. We believe in you. We believe in your futures. We believe in your ability to continue to tell your stories and to just be honest with each other. There is no need to suffer in silence. Just make sure that you are taking care of yourselves and that begins with your mental health by really talking about whatever’s coming up for you.”
Harry’s words resonated deeply as he emphasized the importance of acknowledging one’s struggles, stating, “There is no shame in acknowledging that today is a bad day.” His candid acknowledgment of the challenges many face, from grief to stress, served as a reminder that no one should suffer in silence.
Beyond their speeches, Meghan and Harry immersed themselves in the school community, engaging with students and participating in classroom activities. From dancing with kindergarteners to admiring STEM projects, the couple’s genuine interest in the children’s lives was palpable.
Their visit to Nigeria not only showcased their dedication to mental health advocacy but also highlighted their ongoing philanthropic efforts. Through the Archewell Foundation, Meghan and Harry have supported initiatives providing vital resources and education to young women in Nigeria, tackling issues of gender inequality and promoting menstrual health.
Moreover, their presence in Nigeria served as a reminder of the transformative power of empathy and compassion. By sharing their own experiences and lending a listening ear, Meghan and Harry embodied the spirit of solidarity, offering hope and encouragement to those in need.
Below, Meghan is gifted a traditional mask and a series of books about Nigerian heritage from Lightway Academy.
At the Lightway Academy, Meghan was gifted a box with a traditional mask and a series of books about Nigerian heritage. pic.twitter.com/hegWNTf6io
— Katerina 🇺🇦 (@Le__Katerina) May 10, 2024
As they continue their tour, engaging with military personnel, attending training sessions, and participating in community events, Meghan and Harry’s impact reverberates far beyond the borders of Nigeria. Their advocacy for mental health awareness serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals worldwide to prioritize their well-being and support one another in times of need.
This afternoon the couple visited with the Chief of Defense Staff. We will have a separate post on this engagement shortly.
The couple are also due to visit with injured service members at a military hospital.
Now out look at what Meghan wore for today’s visit.
Meghan wore a gown from Heidi Merrick, the ‘Windsor’ in blush silk noil, $572. The gown is from the brand’s 2018 collection and no longer available. We show the dress in white as well.
UPDATE! People reports that the Duchess wore a pair of Emme Parsons sandals, the ‘Laurie’ in Cacao Nappa, $395, which she wore at a polo match, June 2022 and again shopping in Montecito, October 2022. Thanks to our follower Amy for spotting the shoes!
Illustrations by Amelia Noyes.
Her earrings are vintage Lanvin couture clip-on earrings with amethyst and citrine crystals.
She also wore her Ariel Gordon ‘Hex’ bracelet, $5500 along with her staples pieces—Cartier ‘Love’ bracelet, Diana’s gold Tank watch and Lorraine Schwartz emerald diamond pinky ring. We can also see one other bangle bracelet that
Her collar necklace could be from Aurate—$700 for the yellow or white gold vermeil version. We are awaiting confirmation from the brand.
BONUS! What Harry Wore!
Harry wore a pair of Loro Piana Men’s Summer Walk Suede Loafers in Light Woodsmoke, $980. He first wore the shoe in August 2023 for Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup 2023 games in Japan.
We leave you with this photo showing the back of Meghan’s hair today – just beautiful!
Our next post is coming shortly – please check back for updates!
LINKS
Reader Interactions
Comments
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Meghan looks absolutely lovely in this dress, I love the backless part of the dress, it’s sexy and stylish at the same time. The color compliments her complexion beautifully. And I like the long fit of the dress, it balances out the backless part of the dress. She looks lovely! ❤️
It would be more appropriate for the event to be wearing something more structured and that would provide more coverage.
In many pictures from this trip she looks out of step with how the ladies are presenting themselves.
I wondered about the length of the dress, but when I saw videos of her in the dress, the skirt part flowed so well that it no longer seemed to be too long. I just love her hair!!
I’m impressed you could spot the sandals, given the length of that dress! I don’t understand why the dress wasn’t hemmed. It does not look good dragging on the ground like that. It’s an unfortunate choice, because the look was otherwise lovely. The color and style of the dress is great.
Thank you for the picture of the back of her hair! I was looking all over for one.
Hi Louise,
You know, I’m wondering if she left the dress long with the intention of wearing higher heels with it. As she is wearing flats, it causing the dress to drag/drape on the ground. – Susan C
I agree a last minute change of shoes resulted in the dress being too long. Maybe she had swollen feet after the flight, happens to me every time!
JB – that’s a good point about the flight and swollen feet. Also she was standing on grass and maybe knew that’s where they would be after she arrived. Susan 🙂
I’m not sure what to think about this outfit. The color is fun, but there is a lot going on with this dress: You can see her underpants from the back, which is not good no matter what; the hem, as others have mentioned, is way too long, making her look shorter, and the backless effect is inappropriate, where culturally women tend to dress modestly. Thus, the backless, underpant showing, sleeveless dress, flaunts those rules and is evidence that this is clearly not a diplomatic mission. I love her stack and her personal jewelry. With this dress one big thing at the top would have worked better, either necklace or earrings, but not both. She’s clearly in wonderful shape, but this dress is not doing any favors for her, diplomatically—or otherwise. Agree the hair is gorgeous!
I believe ithe emma parsons sandals that Meghan’s wearing is the Laurie pair. There’s a full length photo of her where you can see the toe ring of the sandal peaking out.
Thanks Amy! I haven’t seen the photo yet. I’ll look for it and update the post. – susan
Excellent post, looking forward to more coverage! Pretty dress but yes, a tailor might helped the hem.
I am trying to figure this out. I generally like what Meghan wears but there seems to often be a fit issue. Starting IMHO from the wedding gown and now to today. Am I just too old and dont understand the new tailoring styles?
Hi Shelly,
I think Meghan likes to wear her clothes a little more loose fitting. I’ve always thought that with her wedding dress it was an issue with her dropping a few extra pounds just before the wedding after the last fitting. She also likes to wear her dresses and pants longer. I prefer to have most of my clothes to have a fitted look, however some items I like to be a bit bigger. It all depends on what it is that I’m wearing. Personal preference. That said, with Meghan, it would be good if she had a little bit more of a tailored look – more polished, but I don’t believe she has a tailor or stylist at this point. There have been rumors that she did get a stylist, but nothing was confirmed. Hope this helps. Susan
Thanks Susan!
The vast majority of Meghan’s clothes need tailoring. They also need better undergarments. To spend what she spends and negating the finally needed touches, like shortening a hem, so it doesn’t drag not he ground means Meghan seldom looks polished.
While I see what you’re saying, Meghan clearly doesn’t think so. She likes her clothes how she likes them. Purely a preference thing and I have to say there’s loads of celebs in the US who have a similar looo. Different strokes for different folks. I personally love her loose fitting long hem looks because that’s also my personal style and I like it. So it really irritates me when people say she needs to do this or that. No she doesn’t. She can do what she wants. You can say you don’t like it but she doesn’t need to change anything at the end of the day if she’s happy about it
The proper fit is the proper fit, it is not a matter of taste as to whether a garment fits properly. If one is intent on being known and admired for their fashion sense the proper fit is essential.
Dress. Glorious color. However way too long… Glorious hair style.
Yes that dress is a beautiful color on her and I loved her hair, but that dress is too long. You don’t have to have a tailor, in the United States you can have your clothing altered at the dry cleaners.
I am not a fan of the length of this dress on Meghan. Too long. Given the cost of this dress and her means, it should have been properly hemmed. If I was the designer I would be cringing as the dress simply does not show well they way Meghan is wearing it.
She is seriously slaying in this dress and this colour, her hair is just…Wow. Only thing is I would have shaved maybe an inch or two off the hem so that it wasn’t trailing the ground but that’s just me and my preferences. The colour makes up for length. And those earrings….
Looking forwards to some amazing coverage.