Meghan Markle 'deeply humbled' by new Nigerian name after successful quasi-royal tour

Markle in Nigeria

Meghan Markle is 'deeply humbled' by her new Nigerian name

Getty
Holly Bishop

By Holly Bishop


Published: 03/06/2024

- 11:38

Two years ago, the duchess discovered through a DNA test that she is 43 per cent Nigerian

Meghan Markle is “deeply humbled” after being given a Nigerian name during her tour of the country with Prince Harry.

The couple travelled to Nigeria last month for a three-day tour largely to continue their work around the duke’s Invictus Games.


During the visit, the Duchess of Sussex was given the traditional Yoruba name of Adetokunbo, a blessing that left her “deeply humbled”.

In 2022, the former actress discovered through a DNA test that she is 43 percent Nigerian, calling the African nation “my country” during the trip.

Markle in NigeriaMeghan Markle is 'deeply humbled' by her new Nigerian nameGetty

In a letter obtained by the Western Post, Meghan wrote to the Imperial Majesty to thank him: “I am deeply humbled by your blessing of the traditional Yoruba name, Adetokunbo. I treasure the name and appreciate your trust in me to carry it with grace and dignity.”

She also thanked Oluwu of Iso, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi for his country’s gracious hospitality during their three-day stay: “Your Imperial Majesty, Thank you for your warm welcome to Nigeria... Our visit to Nigeria was important for many reasons, but not least because it gave us an opportunity to explore and understand my heritage, which extends to our children. We look forward to coming back home one day.”

Meghan and Harry were invited by Nigeria’s highest-ranking military official, Christopher Musa.

After meeting him at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, the Duchess signed a guest book thanking officials for “welcoming me home”.

MORE FROM THE NIGERIA TOUR:

Harry and Meghan

During the visit, the Duchess of Sussex was given the traditional Yoruba name of Adetokunbo

Reuters

Previously, Meghan admitted that her trip to Nigeria will always occupy a special place in her heart. She told People Magazine: “It was such warm hospitality and it was a really meaningful trip. It was incredibly memorable and special. That alone is the best souvenir to take with us - all the memories we've made.”

The couple travelled without their two children, five-year-old Prince Archie and two-year-old Princess Lilibet.

Meghan and Harry’s “very successful” tour, which took place a month after they hired two new PR executives, has been praised by a royal commentator.

Gareth Russell spoke exclusively to GB News, suggesting that the timing of the couple's tour was “not a coincidence”.

Prince Harry and Meghan MarkleHarry and Meghan did not bring Archie or Lilibet to NigeriaGetty
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Meghan and Harry were invited by Nigeria’s highest-ranking military official, Christopher Musa

Getty

He claimed: “I don't think it's a coincidence that it comes so soon after their well-publicised hiring of two excellent PR executives.

“This is the kind of thing that they should be doing.

“So it does seem to me that this was a very successful tour all things considered, but there will always be people who are critical or sceptical of the Sussexes.”

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