Prince Harry and Meghan Markle break royal protocol after keeping gifts from Nigeria tour

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle break royal protocol after keeping gifts from Nigeria tour

Meghan Markle gave a speech on the importance of mental health awareness during the Sussexes' tour of Nigeria

GB News
Svar Nanan-Sen

By Svar Nanan-Sen


Published: 15/05/2024

- 16:36

Updated: 15/05/2024

- 16:38

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex undertook a three-day tour in Nigeria last week

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kept over 20 gifts from their tour of Nigeria as the couple no longer have to follow royal protocol.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex flew back to the US earlier this week on an 18-hour flight from Nigeria to Los Angeles.


The couple carried out a three-day tour in Nigerian cities Abuja and Lagos from Friday to Sunday.

During their engagements, they received over 20 gifts which they would not have been allowed to keep if they were working royals.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kept over 20 gifts from their tour of Nigeria as the couple no longer have to follow royal protocol.

Getty

However, Meghan and Harry stepped down as working members of the monarchy in 2020.

The couple's trip to Nigeria was not an official royal tour and they no longer need to follow royal protocol when it comes to receiving gifts.

Meghan and Harry received presents including jewellery, artwork and clothing during their three-day tour.

The Royal Family has strict royals when it comes to receiving gifts from individuals not known to them.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Meghan and Harry received presents including jewellery, artwork and clothing during their three-day tour.

Getty

The official policy states that gifts should be refused "where there are concerns about the propriety or motives of the donor or the gift itself".

It adds regarding gifts on international engagements: "In all cases, and particularly on official overseas trips, organisations and individuals should be discouraged from offering extravagant gifts, i.e. gifts of high monetary value.

"Whilst always remaining sensitive to local custom, Households should explore alternative gestures of goodwill during preliminary discussions about engagements."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Meghan and Harry stepped down as working members of the monarchy in 2020.

Getty

The policy states regarding receiving gifts in the UK: "[It should] normally be declined, unless they are offered as a souvenir of an official visit to the enterprises' premises, to mark a Royal marriage or other special personal occasion."

It adds: "When gifts are accepted, the consent of the Member of The Royal Family should be contingent upon the enterprise undertaking not to exploit the gift for commercial purposes."

All presents accepted by members of the Royal Family are logged on a strict record.

You may like