Meghan appears to be criticised by Nigeria’s First Lady over ‘nakedness’ during ‘faux royal visit’ to country
MEGHAN Markle has appeared to have been criticised in a speech by Nigeria’s First Lady over her “nakedness”.
The Duchess of Sussex recently jetted to Nigeria earlier this month for a three-day “faux royal tour” with husband Prince Harry in tow.
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Meghan Markle appears to have been blasted by Nigeria’s First Lady for her ‘nakedness’ whilst in their countryCredit: AP
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Meghan spent almost £120k on jewellery and new clothes for the tripCredit: Reuters
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Meghan and Harry were quickly ferried around in order to meet locals and leadersCredit: AP
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The Sussexes attending an exhibition sitting volleyball match at Nigeria UnconqueredCredit: Getty
Meg, 42, made multiple outfit changes during the “unforgettable” trip where she and the duke met with locals and leaders.
But while attempting to keep up appearances – spending almost £120k on jewellery and new clothes – the former actress’ fashion is said to have offended First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
During a speech to mark President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office, after the Sussexes had landed back in the US, Tinubu appeared to make a sly dig at Meghan.
Addressing crowds, Tinubu said girls and women in Nigeria “do not want to mimic and try to emulate film stars from America” with their “nakedness”.
She added: “The message here is we have to salvage our children. We see the way they dress.
“They keep forgetting that Nigeria, we are beautiful. You can see what they showcase on the stage, I said, ‘We are fashionable, we see what is going on’.
“We are not having the Met Gala. And everyone, the nakedness, is just everywhere and the men are well-clothed.
“So we have to do something. Tell them we don’t accept nakedness in our culture. That is not beautiful. It’s not beautiful at all.
“And they’re all beautiful girls, but they should be confident in who they are.
“They do not want to mimic and try to emulate film stars from America. They don’t know where they come from.
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“Why did Meghan come here looking for Africa? That is something we have to take home with.
“We know who we are. Don’t lose who you are.”
Tinubu has since claimed her words were taken out of context and any criticism was not aimed at Meg.
Her office said: “She meant Meghan appreciates the people we are and hence her coming here.
“At no point did she say anything about Meghan’s dressing.”
Meghan wore a number of high-end brands on the trip, including Carolina Herrera, Altuzarra, and Johanna Ortiz.
Given the extreme levels of poverty in Nigeria, the American has been slammed.
During Harry and Meghan’s trip, the couple visited a warzone, played volleyball and even stood up for God Save The King.
And I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colour, so I can fit in with all of you and your incredible fashion
Meghan Markle
The Sussexes kicked off their “faux-Royal tour” with a visit to Lightway Academy, a primary and secondary school in the capital.
They then visited Nigeria’s defence HQ on Friday to meet military wives and senior officials.
The following day Harry was snapped playing volleyball, before Meghan referred to Nigeria as “my country”.
Speaking at an event in the capital Abuja, the duchess said: “I want to start by saying thank you very much for just how gracious you’ve all been in welcoming my husband and I to this country… my country.
“I am just flattered and honoured and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived.
“And I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colour, so I can fit in with all of you and your incredible fashion.”
The Duchess of Sussex recently discovered she was 43 per cent Nigerian, according to a genealogy test.
The next day, Harry tried his hand at basketball, before they finished up their trip at a charity polo match.
They also unveiled a partnership between their Archewell Foundation and the non-profit Giants of Africa, which aims to empower young people through sport.
But in the hours that followed the charity hit headlines after it was reportedly declared “delinquent” and ordered to stop raising money.
It was alleged the charity did not file its 2022 tax return or related costs on time.
However, the docs were filed and the cheque sent but it never arrived, reported The Telegraph.
The Sussexes’ charity last week broke its silence on the alleged cash woes saying it is “fully compliant”.
A spokesperson said: “We have diligently investigated the situation and can confirm that The Archewell Foundation remains fully compliant and in good standing.
“Due payments were made promptly and in accordance with the IRS’s processes and procedures.
“Furthermore, all necessary paperwork had been filed by the Foundation without error or wrongdoing.”
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Meghan co-hosted an event of Women in Leadership with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during the tripCredit: Reuters
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Meghan during a Sit Out at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in AbujaCredit: AFP
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Wives of military officers wear traditional attire uniform as they stand in line to welcome Harry and MeghanCredit: Reuters
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Meghan appeared to have been slammed by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu during a speechCredit: Arise News