Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a notable appearance in Nigeria, where the Duke of Sussex delivered an impassioned speech on mental health, following what some perceived as a cold reception in the UK.
Harry addressed the audience, highlighting the global stigma surrounding mental health issues: "In some places around the world, more than you would believe, there is a stigma against mental health. Too many people don't want to talk about it because it's invisible, it's in your mind and we can't see it."
Meghan was seen by her husband's side, visibly supportive, nodding in agreement with his statements. Harry went on to stress the universal nature of mental well-being: "But guess what, every single person in this room, the youngest, the oldest, every single person has mental health."
Harry further emphasised the importance of self-care and mutual support: "So therefore, you have to look after yourself in order to be able to help other people, other people have to look after themselves in order to be able to look after you. That's the way it works.", reports the Mirror.
Concluding his message, the Duke encouraged openness about mental health struggles: "There is no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day. Okay? If you woke up this morning feeling sad, if you left school feeling stressed, if you've lost a loved one in your family who you usually turn to or speak to, all of these things you may be led to believe are not for conversation. We are here today to tell you that that is not the case.
"Every single one of those things is completely normal. It is a human reaction, whether it's grief, stress, whatever the feeling is, it comes from experiences you have had."
Harry emphasised that mental health issues can affect anyone "on any given day".
He concluded: "If you take anything away from today, just know that mental health affects every single person."
Meghan and Harry were casually dressed for the talk.
Harry sported a light grey top, while Meghan chose a peach-coloured dress. Both wore traditional African necklaces, with Meghan adding a simple gold necklace to her ensemble.
The pair arrived in Abuja on Friday morning after Harry's brief solo trip to the UK. They reunited at Heathrow, with Meghan having flown in on Thursday from Los Angeles.
She was spotted waiting for Harry in the airport's VIP Windsor Suite.
Upon their arrival in Abuja, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by Nigerian officials and escorted by the same security team that accompanied Harry to the UK. During their short stay in Nigeria, Harry and Meghan are set to visit the country's military headquarters and promote the Invictus Games.
Today, the royal couple will be heading to Lagos after their visit to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters. During their stay in Nigeria, they are set to watch a volleyball match and pay visits to military hospitals and charities in Abuja and Lagos.
The Defence HQ unveiled their itinerary during a press conference on Thursday, May 9, revealing that they will also meet with injured armed forces personnel and their families.
Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Marquis, the director of sports at the Nigerian Defence Ministry, announced in a Facebook Live press briefing on Thursday, that Harry and Meghan will be visiting the Wuse Light Academy before meeting Nigeria's security chief.
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The Sussexes will also journey to Kaduna state to visit the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital and spend time with recovering wounded and injured soldiers. He revealed that on Saturday, May 11, there will be an exhibition of a novelty volleyball match between The Chief of Defence Staff team and the Duke's team.
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A reception will follow where the couple will mingle with the families of the soldiers, loved ones of soldiers and officers killed in action, and other service members.
On Sunday, May 12, Harry and Meghan will then pay a visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and later attend a basketball exhibition match at a school. Their visit will conclude with a final reception on Monday.
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